Election watchdog launches team to investigate ballot shortages

The National Election Commission's (NEC) fact-finding committee held its inaugural meeting Wednesday to launch an investigation into an unprecedented shortage of ballots reported during last week's local elections.

The committee, composed of external experts, seeks to determine the exact cause of the incident and come up with preventive measures after ballot shortages were reported at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul on June 3, sparking public outrage.

"We will reveal the full truth behind the incident through an objective and accurate investigation, and disclose the findings transparently," Cho Hyun-wook, chairperson of the committee, said during the inaugural meeting held at the election watchdog's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul.

Cho said the committee will "strictly" hold those responsible accountable and seek sweeping measures to ensure that the fairness and integrity of elections are not undermined in the future.

She also stressed that the committee members will look into the issue from an "objective and politically neutral" standpoint with a shared commitment to safeguarding constitutional values.

The committee, set to run until June 19, consists of six members recommended by civic organizations, media, legal and academic communities.

Yonhap