Gwacheon: The National Election Commission's (NEC) fact-finding committee has recommended a criminal investigation into the former chief of the commission following significant ballot shortages during the recent local elections. This announcement was made by Cho Hyun-wook, the chairperson of the committee, during a briefing at the NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, located south of Seoul. The committee's recommendation comes as part of the conclusion of a weeklong investigation aimed at uncovering the root causes of the ballot shortages.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the committee has urged for former NEC Chairman Roh Tae-ak, who resigned from his position amidst the controversy, along with other key officials, to be subject to a criminal probe. The investigation revealed systemic failures within the election management system, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms within the NEC. Cho Hyun-wook emphasized the necessity for an overhaul of the commission, likening the required changes to dismantling the organization entirely.

The committee's findings indicate that out of the country's 14,288 polling stations, 140 anticipated ballot shortages and requested additional papers on election day. Among these, 91 stations utilized the extra ballots provided, while voting processes were disrupted at 26 polling stations due to the shortages. The fact-finding committee, established on June 10, included six members recommended by civic organizations, media, legal, and academic communities.