Acting National Election Commission (NEC) Chairperson Wi Chul-hwan speaks while attending a plenary session of the Special Committee on the Parliamentary Investigation into the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections and the infringement of citizens' voting rights at the National Assembly on the 23rd. [Yonhap News] 

It has been confirmed that the National Election Commission (NEC) has decided to submit all relevant materials to the joint investigation headquarters of the prosecution and police instead of accepting the recommendation from the Fact-Finding Committee to request an investigation into those responsible for the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections.

Kang Dong-wan, Acting Secretary-General of the NEC, stated this during a plenary session of the National Assembly's 'Special Committee on the Parliamentary Investigation into the June 3 Local Election Ballot Shortage' on the 23rd, in response to a related question from People Power Party lawmaker Seo Beom-soo. He noted, "Yesterday, during the plenary committee meeting, there was a discussion among the members while the standing commissioner (Acting NEC Chairperson Wi Chul-hwan)—who was a subject of the recommendation—and I were recused."

When Representative Seo repeatedly asked, "Why are you not requesting an investigation?" Acting Secretary-General Kang replied, "Regarding that matter, neither the standing commissioner nor I are in a position to know the details."

In response, Representative Seo criticized Acting Chairperson Wi, calling it a "self-exemption," and stated, "Shouldn't you be handling this even more strictly under these circumstances? This is why you are being asked to resign."

Representative Seo continued, pointing out, "The secretariat is acting compliantly because those responsible (for this incident) are holding onto their positions," and added, "I suggested that you make a decision regarding your position by the second institutional report on July 1 (for the special committee) because I believe someone with less responsibility, someone with more freedom, should conclude this matter."

Acting Chairperson Wi remained silent throughout Representative Seo's inquiry regarding his future status.

Consequently, Representative Seo warned that if there is no decision regarding his position by the time of the second institutional report, the People Power Party will consider proposing an impeachment motion against Acting Chairperson Wi.

Conversely, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man told Acting Chairperson Wi, "Others are telling you to resign immediately, but I have a different opinion. First, fulfill your responsibilities, then resign and face punishment."

On the 19th, the Fact-Finding Committee on the ballot shortage recommended an investigation into 12 members of the NEC leadership.

The individuals subject to the recommendation include Acting Chairperson Wi and Acting Secretary-General Kang, as well as former Chairperson Noh Tae-ak, former Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon, and former Election Policy Office Chief Yoon Jae-soo.