Civic organizations in Gwangju urged a thorough investigation into the National Election Commission and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The Gwangju Civic Organizations Council issued a statement Monday condemning the commission for "stripping citizens of their fundamental right to vote through wholesale incompetence and complacent mismanagement."
The group said ballot shortages had been anticipated at 140 polling stations, which received additional supplies, while voting was temporarily suspended at 91 locations. It also noted cases in which voters who waited for ballots were ultimately unable to cast them, and said more than 1,000 voters' names were omitted during the printing of electoral rolls.
"Voting is the most powerful means by which citizens exercise their sovereignty," the statement said. "It is difficult to view the nationwide suspension of voting at an institution charged with administering fair elections as a simple mistake."
The group also urged investigative authorities to uncover the full truth through a rigorous investigation and ensure that those involved face punishment. It added that while the commission's independence must be guaranteed, mechanisms allowing citizens to hold it in check must also be established.
sij@heraldcorp.com
