Lee Jae-myung Criticizes Ballot Shortage Incident as 'Absurd', Suggests Constitutional Amendment if Necessary

President Lee Jae-myung, during a senior staff meeting on the 19th, addressed the recent shortage of ballots during local elections, describing the incident as an 'absurd' violation of political rights. Lee stated that the public is outraged, and he shares that sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough investigation and systemic reform.

According to the Blue House, Lee labeled the incident a failure of the National Election Commission, citing incompetence, negligence, and a lack of institutional morality. He noted that the National Assembly's special committee for national investigation has already commenced operations to look into the matter.

Lee argued that the current electoral management system is so flawed that it requires a complete overhaul. While acknowledging the limitations of presidential intervention under existing laws, he suggested that if institutional reforms are insufficient, discussions regarding a constitutional amendment should be pursued to ensure accountability. Regarding ongoing protests, Lee affirmed that peaceful assemblies should be protected, but stressed that violence and the spread of disinformation during such events must be dealt with strictly according to the law.