Controversy Over 'Poor Management' Leads to Election Commission Apology... "Is This Our Election Commission?", "Thorough Investigation" Faces Fierce Criticism from Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

Criticism in Unison from Ruling and Opposition
Lee Nak-yeon: "Is This the Korean Election Commission That Boasted Its Best Capabilities?"
Yoon Seok-yeol: "Will Thoroughly Investigate the Circumstances When the Regime Changes"

On the afternoon of the 5th, COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals are voting at the temporary polling station in front of Seoul Station. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The National Election Commission (NEC), embroiled in controversy over its poor management of the early voting process for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals, is facing criticism from both ruling and opposition parties. Some have questioned, "Is this really 2022?" while others call for a thorough investigation after the presidential election.

On the morning of the 6th, the NEC issued a statement saying, "We deeply regret and apologize for the inconvenience caused during the early voting process." It added, "Our commission takes this matter very seriously and will accurately identify the revealed issues to promptly prepare measures so that the public can vote with confidence on election day."

Regarding the possibility of 'fraudulent voting' raised by some, the NEC clearly drew a line. It emphasized, "The temporary polling station voting method implemented this time complies with laws and regulations," and "The presence of party-recommended observers was guaranteed throughout the entire process, so there is absolutely no possibility of fraud."

Explaining the reasons behind the poor management controversy at temporary polling stations for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined voters, the NEC stated, "This election recorded the highest early voting rate ever, resulting in high participation enthusiasm and limitations in voting management personnel and polling station facilities," and acknowledged, "There were shortcomings in managing early voting for confirmed voters."

On the afternoon of the 5th, a confirmed patient is casting a vote at a polling booth set up outdoors at the Sapa-dong Community Center in Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. / Photo by Yonhap News

Despite the NEC's apology and explanation, both ruling and opposition parties continue to criticize. Considering the seriousness of the situation, there are calls for strong measures beyond a simple apology to prevent recurrence.

Lee Nak-yeon, the General Election Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "Is this really the Republic of Korea in 2022, managing early voting for confirmed cases?" He opened by saying, "The management of early voting for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals was terribly mishandled."

He went on to specifically mention controversial cases during the voting process, saying, "Sick individuals were made to wait for a long time, and ballots were transported in paper boxes, office envelopes, and even garbage bags," and "Already marked ballots were also given."

He added, "This is very disappointing. Although the surge in confirmed and quarantined individuals caused difficulties, wasn't that something everyone knew?" and criticized, "Is this really the NEC of the Republic of Korea in 2022? Is this the NEC that once boasted the highest capabilities?"

Lee urged, "It is right to provide explanations and apologies that the public can accept," and "Please also disclose how the mistakes in early voting management will be improved."

Lee Nak-yeon, Chief Election Strategy Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

Criticism also came from the People Power Party. Yoon Seok-youl, the party's presidential candidate, mentioned the controversy during a campaign rally in front of Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, saying, "I have dealt with fraudsters for a long time, so I know. This is a tactic to divide the conservative supporters within our People Power Party who always raise suspicions of election fraud."

He added, "Our party will thoroughly monitor this, and once the regime changes, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances," urging, "Please do not worry and make sure to vote without exception on March 9."

In a post on his Facebook on the same day, Yoon also pointed out, "The feared problem has become a reality. The confusion in early voting for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals is that problem," and said, "I have repeatedly emphasized for a month that voters' 'right to vote' must be firmly guaranteed. Nevertheless, the NEC caused confusion and distrust."

He stressed, "The right to vote is a constitutional right that cannot be restricted for administrative purposes such as quarantine," and urged, "I hope thorough measures are taken to ensure that such confusion does not occur on the main voting day."

Yoon Seok-yeol, People Power Party presidential candidate / Photo by Yonhap News

Amid this situation, it has been reported that President Moon Jae-in also demanded a detailed explanation of the circumstances from the NEC.

Park Kyung-mi, the Blue House spokesperson, said in a written briefing on the same day, "President Moon stated, 'I believe the National Election Commission needs to provide a detailed and sufficient explanation of the circumstances so that the public can accept it.'"

She added, "He urged that thorough measures be put in place to prevent such controversies from recurring on the main voting day, and that the voting rights of confirmed and quarantined individuals be fully guaranteed without any fairness issues arising."

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