Citizen Group Files Criminal Complaint Against Election Commissioner No Jeong-hee Over Early Voting Controversy Responsibility

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A civic group has filed a complaint with the prosecution against No Jeong-hee, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, who is responsible for the poor management controversy during early voting for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals.

The Committee for the Protection of the Common People and Livelihoods filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on the 6th, accusing Chairperson No of abuse of authority and violation of the Public Official Election Act.

The group criticized, "The poor management that occurred during the early voting process yesterday is an absurd act that makes it hard to believe this is a democracy and a country governed by the rule of law," adding, "It shows a forgetfulness that elections are the 'flower of democracy.'"

They continued, "We are concerned that such backward administration may continue in other elections," and urged, "We ask for a thorough investigation and strict punishment under the principle of zero tolerance."

Yesterday, at early voting stations across the country, there were numerous criticisms and protests regarding the chaotic management of voting for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined voters. Issues were raised about excessively long waiting times and the lack of properly prepared ballot boxes for confirmed patients at polling stations. It was also reported that ballots marked for specific candidates were distributed in some cases.

As the controversy intensified, the Election Commission issued a statement on the same day, saying, "We deeply regret and apologize for the inconvenience caused during early voting," and pledged, "We will promptly prepare countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.