05.06.2026 17:30
In the elections held on June 3 in South Korea, a ballot paper crisis in the capital Seoul led to a resignation. After ballots ran out at polling stations and voting procedures were disrupted, rising criticism prompted the head of the National Election Commission, Roh Tae-ak, to take responsibility and resign from his post.
The shortage of ballot papers that occurred in some districts of the capital Seoul during the local elections and parliamentary by-elections held on June 3 in South Korea has led to resignations. Roh Tae-ak, the head of the National Election Commission, announced his resignation following the crisis.
"I FEEL EXTREMELY RESPONSIBLE"
According to information from South Korea's official news agency Yonhap, after the shortage of ballot papers sparked widespread public backlash, National Election Commission Chairman Roh Tae-ak appeared before the cameras. Apologizing to the public during a press conference, Roh stated, "I feel extremely responsible for this entire situation," and announced that he had submitted his resignation letter. Roh added that he would fully cooperate with authorities if any judicial or administrative investigation is launched.
VOTING PROCESS CAME TO A HALT AT POLLING STATIONS
On election day, it was reported that ballot papers ran out at many polling stations, particularly in Seoul's densely populated Songpa and Gangnam districts. Due to the shortage of ballots, voting was temporarily suspended at some critical points, and it was noted that many voters, who formed long lines in front of polling stations, had to leave without casting their votes after waiting for hours.
PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE DECIDES TO INVESTIGATE
Following the logistical crisis and resignation, an official statement came from the South Korean Presidential Office. The statement emphasized that, alongside the process of accepting Roh's resignation, the disruptions in the election organization and all related processes would be thoroughly reviewed and comprehensively examined.
Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Party emerged as the winner of the local elections and parliamentary by-elections in South Korea, where voters went to the polls on June 3.