Former National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-hak speaks at a plenary meeting of the special committee for the investigation into the truth of infringement of the right to political participation and reform of election management, including the ballot shortage incident, held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. [Yonhap News]

Former National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak said on the 23rd regarding the ballot shortage incident in the June 3 local elections, "As the chairman, I deeply regret that the commission did not meticulously manage the situation."

Noh made this statement when he appeared at the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Special Committee for the Investigation into the Ballot Shortage Incident of the June 3 Local Elections and responded to related questions from Rep. Kim Nam-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea.

He also acknowledged the fact that the National Election Commission changed the comprehensive management guidelines, reducing the minimum number of ballots to be printed for the general election from 60% to 50% of the voter population, through the executive director's final decision. "I am aware of that," he said.

Regarding reports that he had not been informed in advance about the change in guidelines, he explained, "I believe a brief report would have been made," but added that he has no recollection of being briefed.

Former Executive Director Huh Cheol-hoon, who also attended the meeting that day, said, "I deeply apologize for the significant inconvenience and confusion caused to the public due to this ballot shortage incident."

Regarding the background of the guideline change, he explained, "Not only were the results of a research service by the Korea Institute of Public Administration considered, but also the opinions of the staff at the district/city/county election commissions were gathered, as the vote counting and tabulation are conducted by these commissions."

In response to the criticism that the National Election Commission's response to the ballot shortage incident was delayed, he replied, "I believe that if the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission had promptly reported to the central commission, the central commission could have responded effectively from the outset. I find it very regrettable that the Election Situation Room could not properly respond because the report was not made to the central commission in a timely manner."