The National Recommendation Committee for selecting a special counsel to investigate the National Election Commission over the shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections held its first meeting today (August 7).

The inaugural meeting, attended by members of the National Recommendation Committee, was held behind closed doors for 30 minutes from the beginning.

After the closed-door meeting, committee member Cho Gi-yeon told reporters, "As this special counsel is being launched through a bipartisan agreement, we must dispel public distrust regardless of factional or political interests."

He added, "The members stated that the special counsel has a responsibility to uncover the truth regarding the NEC's poor election management and prevent recurrence."

Cho stated, "We voted today on an agenda to request special counsel candidates from the Korean Bar Association and the Korean Law Professors Association," adding, "(The two associations) will send their recommendations within five days."

He further explained, "The National Recommendation Committee plans to finalize two special counsel candidates at its meeting on the 14th."