South Korea election commission under probe for ballot shortage and preferential hiring

A parliamentary special committee has launched an investigation into the Central Election Commission (CEC) following the June 3 local‑election ballot‑paper shortage. The committee held its first expert hearing, gathering opinions on reforms for the CEC.

Earlier, a Board of Audit and Inspection audit examined allegations that children of senior CEC officials received preferential treatment in hiring. The audit led to the cancellation of eight appointments and disciplinary action against 15 staff members, but only five received suspensions of two to three months and three faced salary reductions. The remaining seven were issued simple admonitions. Lawmaker Joo Jin‑woo said, "Even in the scandal that sparked public outrage, the highest penalty was a three‑month suspension, while many received only salary cuts or admonitions," arguing that the CEC had lost its ability to self‑correct and that a special investigation was inevitable.