Central Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-uk issued a public apology on May 20, 2026, following ballot-paper shortages at several polling stations [1].
The failure to provide sufficient ballots during a nationwide vote undermines public confidence in the democratic process and represents a violation of citizens' fundamental voting rights.
The shortage occurred during the ninth [1] nationwide simultaneous local elections. Noh said the apology during a press conference held at 4 p.m. [2] on the day after vote counting concluded [2].
Reports differ on the exact location of the briefing. Some sources place the event at the Songpa-gu election office following the vote count [1], while others state it was held at the Central Election Commission headquarters in Gwacheon [3].
"I cannot suppress my feelings of apology for causing concern to the people due to the shortage of ballot papers at some polling stations in the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections," Noh said [1].
Noh said the commission will conduct a thorough investigation into how the shortages happened. The chairman said that the administrative failure caused significant inconvenience to voters and damaged the integrity of the election process.
The commission has not yet released the specific number of affected precincts or the total number of voters impacted by the shortage. Noh said the priority remains ensuring that such a systemic failure does not recur in future electoral cycles.
“"I cannot suppress my feelings of apology for causing concern to the people,"”
This apology reflects the high standard of administrative precision expected in South Korean elections. A ballot shortage is not merely a logistical error but a potential legal vulnerability that could lead to challenges regarding the legitimacy of local election results in the affected districts.
