Seoul: Investigators are poised to question election watchdog officials regarding ballot paper shortages that occurred during the June 3 local elections, as stated by legal sources on Sunday. This anticipated questioning follows criticism directed at the National Election Commission (NEC) for the shortages that led to temporary suspensions of voting at 26 polling stations, primarily in Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a joint investigative team of police and prosecutors conducted a search and seizure operation on the NEC's servers on Saturday. This was part of an ongoing investigation aimed at uncovering the reasons behind the shortages. The team sought to secure internal messages and other pertinent records. Officials from the NEC, particularly those stationed in areas where the shortages were most acute, will be called in for questioning. Following this, senior officials, including the NEC's former chief who resigned due to the incident, may also be summoned.

The investigation is examining whether NEC officials improperly influenced the printing of ballot papers and evaluated their response to the shortages. Under existing election laws, civil servants are prohibited from using their positions to influence elections unduly. As part of the probe, the investigative team conducted raids at seven locations, including the NEC's headquarters, last Thursday.

Meanwhile, protests demanding a re-run of the elections due to the ballot shortages have entered their tenth day at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern district of Jamsil. As of 10 a.m., approximately 600 people were reported to be rallying, although this number is significantly lower than the estimated 19,000 who gathered on Saturday night. The protests, which typically increase in size later in the day, have resulted in blocked entrances to the stadium, hindering access for sports organizations based there.

A police official informed Yonhap News Agency that the demonstrators are expected to disperse once significant progress is made in the investigation. However, officials are preparing for a prolonged standoff, as the protests have been spontaneous and without a clear organizer. In response, sports groups affected by the blockade are planning a press conference on Monday to urge the protesters to allow them access to their offices within the stadium.