Protests over ballot shortages continue at Seoul counting site
Quick Look
- Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections, marred by ballot paper shortages, continued for the 14th day at a Seoul ballot counting site.
- The National Election Commission apologized but stated shortages do not warrant a rerun.
- Separately, a man was apprehended after brandishing a weapon near the site.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Protests have been ongoing for 14 days at a Seoul ballot counting site due to ballot paper shortages during the June 3 local elections. The National Election Commission has apologized but does not believe a rerun is warranted.
SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections marred by ballot paper shortages continued for the 14th day Thursday at a ballot counting site amid sweltering heat.
Under the scorching sun, protesters chanted slogans claiming election fraud outside SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern ward of Songpa, which was used as a ballot counting center for the elections.
The protests began June 5, two days after ballot shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations.
Some protesters could be seen cooling themselves off with fans while guarding the entrance of the gymnasium in a move to prevent election officials from removing ballot boxes inside.
While the National Election Commission (NEC) has apologized for the ballot shortages, it says they do not warrant a rerun under the election law. A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors has been investigating the NEC over the shortages.
Meanwhile, police have booked a man in his 30s who was taken into custody after brandishing and swinging a sharp weapon near the gymnasium on Wednesday.
The man, who injured himself during the incident, repeatedly shouted that people were dying inside the gymnasium before police apprehended him.
Police plan to investigate him on charges of aggravated intimidation after he receives hospital treatment.
Open Questions
- Will the investigation into the NEC lead to charges?
- What will be the outcome of the protests?
- Were the ballot shortages intentional?
