Election commission apologizes over ballot shortages on local election day

By Kim Do-yoon, The Herald Business

National Election Commission Secretary General Heo Cheol-hun issued a public apology Wednesday over ballot shortages that disrupted polling stations in Seoul's Songpa-gu, Gangnam-gu, Gwangjin-gu and Dongjak-gu, as well as parts of Incheon, on the main voting day of the June 3 local elections.

"During the voting process on election day, a shortage of ballots at some polling stations caused great confusion and concern for the public," Heo said, bowing his head. "I feel a deep sense of responsibility for undermining public trust in fair election administration and sincerely apologize."

He added that the commission takes the matter seriously and will identify the exact cause of the ballot shortages and prepare countermeasures as soon as vote counting is complete.