People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook [Photo = Yonhap News]

On the 16th, People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook proposed an amendment to the Public Official Election Act, prompted by the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, which mandates the establishment of an independent investigative committee in the event of a "major election management incident."

Regarding the minimum threshold for ballot printing, the amendment stipulates that district, city, and county election commissions must secure ballots based on the "highest voter turnout in the jurisdiction" among the three most recent identical elections.

Furthermore, it defines ballot shortages and similar issues as "major election management incidents," requiring immediate reporting and the establishment of an independent investigative committee—which must include individuals recommended by parliamentary negotiating groups—within 10 days of the incident to conduct a mandatory fact-finding investigation.

In addition, Representative Lee proposed an amendment to the State Compensation Act. This amendment stipulates that if a major election management incident is confirmed through such investigations, it will be legally deemed as an act involving the intent or negligence of public officials. It also formalizes a "fast-track summary compensation" process for citizens who were unable to exercise their right to vote due to election management failures.

Representative Lee stated, "Through this package of bills, we will fundamentally block the incompetence and manipulative administrative practices of the National Election Commission, and fully restore the lost sovereignty of the people and trust in the electoral process."