Noh Tae-ak 'Takes Responsibility' for Ballot Shortage Incident

Noh Tae-ak, former chairman of the National Election Commission (NEC), appeared at a plenary session of the parliamentary special committee investigating the June 3rd local elections ballot shortage incident on the 23rd, stating that as chairman at the time, he deeply regrets the commission's failure to manage the situation meticulously. He acknowledged that the NEC had changed its comprehensive management guidelines to lower the minimum print quantity of ballots for the general election from 60% to 50% of the voter population, a decision processed by the Secretary-General's executive authority.

Acting NEC Chairman Wi Cheol-hwan offered an apology to voters who experienced confusion due to the ballot shortage.

The special committee investigating the June 3rd local elections ballot shortage incident had initially agreed to summon 44 witnesses, including current and former NEC officials. However, a large number of relevant individuals, including 7 out of 9 committee members, failed to attend the institutional briefing. The ruling and opposition parties criticized the mass absence of NEC-related personnel from the investigative briefing. Five of the seven non-standing NEC members were reportedly contacted to attend the session at 1:30 PM.

The special committee resolved future schedules, including institutional briefings, on-site investigations, and hearings. Parliament has initiated efforts to ascertain the truth behind the ballot shortage, summon witnesses including current and former NEC officials, and resolve future schedules such as hearings to pursue accountability and establish measures to prevent recurrence.