선관위 국조특위 ‘빈손 종료’…두달 조사에도 247만표 재검표 무산

The National Election Commission's special committee (국조특위) responsible for investigating the 6·3 local election voting materials shortage was essentially dissolved, despite extending its operation by one month. Both the ruling and opposition parties agreed to prolong the committee's activities until August 31st, but failed to reach a consensus on a public re-examination of the ballots.

Chairman of the committee, Representative Yoon Sang-hyun of the National Spirit Party, disclosed this during a press conference on July 30th. While some committee members agreed on the necessity for a public re-examination, disagreements over methods and procedures prevented a final resolution. Yoon stated that while some committee members shared the desire for a public re-examination, they were unable to agree on a method and procedure.

After meeting with journalists, Yoon noted that some opposition party representatives had insisted on a re-examination beginning in August, but the committee was unable to comply. He expressed regret for the committee's inability to address public doubts about election integrity. The committee had previously agreed to extend its activities by one month, from July 30th to August 31st, and had tentatively agreed to conduct a re-examination of election ballots on that date.

However, opposition party representatives' insistence on a re-examination led by the election commission prevented completion. The committee held its final general meeting on July 28th, where they adopted an activity progress report, but failed to convene the meeting. Yoon indicated that it was unlikely for the committee to meet on August 31st.

He criticized the National Spirit Party for being drawn into the scandal of falsified elections, noting that the issues raised by the public are legitimate and that the committee's investigation has not uncovered any objective evidence of organized tampering with voting and counting. Yoon suggested that the public square is not a resource for politicians and called for a public debate to address doubts about election fraud and restore electoral trust.