South Korean president orders probe into election agency

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered a probe into the National Election Commission (NEC) on June 7, following accusations that voting rights were violated during the June 3 local elections. He criticized the NEC’s handling of the incident, stating that its response and public explanations were inadequate, and called for a parliamentary inquiry to determine the facts. Lee stressed that the right to vote is a constitutional right that must never be restricted. He described the incident as a severe breach of democratic principles, saying it damaged the foundation of popular sovereignty and required urgent institutional reforms. The president also expressed deep regret, both as a citizen and as leader, over the commission’s failure to uphold public trust. To address the issue, Lee instructed the creation of a joint investigation team involving prosecutors and police to clarify responsibility and examine the full circumstances. He urged the NEC to conduct a fundamental review of its organizational structure and election management system, emphasizing that an independent institution losing public trust has no justification for existence. The president highlighted the NEC’s constitutional significance, noting its chairperson is ranked among the country’s five highest officeholders due to its independent authority. Lee called on lawmakers to act swiftly and prepare measures to prevent future violations, reinforcing the need for accountability and transparency in the electoral process.