[Anchor]
We reported exclusively yesterday, July 8, that three members of the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission resigned in protest against what they viewed as directives from the National Election Commission (NEC) to dismiss election appeals. While the NEC explained that the documents were merely reference materials, our analysis of the full text we obtained reveals that the NEC had already concluded that none of the key issues surrounding the ballot shortage incident constituted a violation of regulations.
Reporter Kim Kwan-jin has the exclusive report.
[Reporter]
This is the so-called reference material sent by the National Election Commission to regional election commissions, including the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission, on July 3.
In this document, obtained by SBS through the National Assembly, 11 key issues related to the ballot shortage incident are outlined.
Regarding the manual entry of serial numbers on ballots that lacked them, the NEC stated, "It is difficult to view this as a violation of the law or as grounds for invalidation, as it was an unavoidable measure." It also argued that while transporting ballots in shopping bags showed a lack of preparation, it was an emergency measure.
The document further concluded that starting the ballot count before voting had officially ended was unlikely to have affected the election. It also asserted that it was difficult to view the extension of voting hours at the Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station—decided by report rather than committee resolution—and the absence of observers during the transport of ballot boxes as violations of regulations.
The document contained many phrases that could be interpreted as judgments and directives, rather than just explanations of issues or presentations of facts.
The three members of the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission who received this document via email submitted their resignations on July 6, citing the "undermining of the independence and fairness of the review process," stating that they "interpreted the NEC's document as a directive to dismiss the election appeals."
These members, who have legal backgrounds, were recommended by the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, respectively, with one member appointed by the commission itself.
(Video reporting: Joo Yong-jin | Video editing: Lee Sang-min | Graphics: Choi Ha-neul | Data provided by: Office of Representative Yoon Kun-young of the Democratic Party)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.