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South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok chairs a meeting of relevant ministers on issues related to violations of citizens’ voting rights at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the 11th. / Yonhap News Agency.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok emphasized on the 11th regarding the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections that "the National Election Commission (NEC) must thoroughly reflect from top to bottom."

Prime Minister Kim also criticized some protesters at the Jamsil rally—which condemns the ballot shortage—for causing disruptions such as restricting citizen access and mocking the police. He instructed relevant ministries to respond, stating, "We must investigate this to the very end with a principle of zero tolerance and ensure such actions can never occur again."

Prime Minister Kim made these remarks during his opening statement at a meeting of relevant ministers regarding violations of citizens' voting rights, held at the Government Complex Sejong, adding, "The unprecedented violation of voting rights during the June 3 local elections is dragging on, and public anxiety is mounting."

"Seeing that ballot boxes that should be preserved as evidence have already been destroyed, it appears the NEC still fails to properly grasp the gravity of the situation," Prime Minister Kim pointed out. "If the NEC continues this way, there will undoubtedly be public demands for its dissolution."

He continued, "Today, a request for a parliamentary investigation into the NEC was submitted to the National Assembly plenary session," and urged, "Setting aside factional and political interests, I hope the ruling and opposition parties will swiftly negotiate the formation of a special committee to consolidate democracy, and lead a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and discuss institutional reforms."

Furthermore, Prime Minister Kim instructed, "The government will also actively cooperate in every necessary area," adding, "The prosecution and police must conduct a swift and strict investigation, centered around the joint investigation headquarters."

In addition, Prime Minister Kim noted, "While violations of voting rights are unacceptable, disruptions to the democratic order must also not be tolerated," pointing out the problematic actions of some protesters at the Jamsil rally condemning the ballot shortage incident.

He then questioned, "Who gives anyone the right to block the free passage and entry of citizens, confine police officers, and slander and abuse passing citizens?" and emphasized, "Exploiting the public demand to defend democracy to instead disrupt the democratic order and destroy democracy will absolutely not be tolerated."

Prime Minister Kim repeatedly stressed, "Accountability must be held for the violation of voting rights, but those responsible for disrupting the democratic order must also face consequences," adding, "The government will humbly accept legitimate grievances and discussions, but maintains a firm stance to respond fundamentally to anti-democratic actions that cause inconvenience to citizens until the very end."

                                                                                                            Hong Seon-mi