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The iron gate at the entrance of the National Election Commission in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, is firmly closed. / Photo via Yonhap News

Regarding the ballot paper shortage during the June 3 local elections, the police will launch a full-scale investigation into officials of the National Election Commission (NEC) on the 8th, starting with the questioning of the complainant. With President Lee Jae-myung ordering a thorough fact-finding mission through the formation of a joint prosecution-police investigation team, the core issue is expected to be whether there was mismanagement or illegal conduct during the process of preparing and distributing the ballots.

The Regional Crime Investigation Division under the Regional Investigation Department of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will call in an official from the People's Livelihood Committee for Democratization at around 9:30 a.m. today to conduct the complainant questioning. The committee filed a complaint against NEC Chairperson Noh Tae-ak and others on election day on charges of dereliction of duty and abuse of authority. Subsequently, on June 4, they submitted another complaint adding charges of occupational embezzlement and breach of trust.

Six other organizations, including the Speculation Watch Center, National Solidarity, Justice Solidarity, and the Mugunghwa Club for Rule of Law and Democratization, have also submitted similar complaints to the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency via the e-People online petition portal.

Following the questioning of the complainant, the police plan to investigate whether the NEC properly adhered to distribution standards and related procedures for the ballot papers. They are expected to examine whether there were operational issues during the calculation, printing, and distribution of the ballots, as well as review the overall decision-making process.

It is reported that the police are also considering questioning working-level officials to figure out the exact circumstances surrounding the preparation and distribution of the ballot papers. The police plan to determine whether criminal charges are established based on the contents of the complaints and related documents.

The formation of a joint investigation team involving both the prosecution and the police is also expected to materialize soon. President Lee yesterday ordered the establishment of a joint prosecution-police team to thoroughly uncover the truth behind the ballot paper shortage. The joint team is expected to include police personnel currently investigating the complaint cases, along with prosecution and police personnel specializing in election offenses.

                                                                                                          Seol So-young