SOUTH KOREA — Student councils from 18 universities in South Korea issued a joint declaration on June 10, calling for accountability and reforms following a ballot shortage during the June 3 local election. The declaration demanded a thorough investigation, punishment for those responsible, and effective remedies for voters whose rights were infringed.

The ballot shortage led to a temporary suspension of voting at 91 polling stations nationwide. Some voters were unable to cast ballots before polling closed at 6 p.m. The student declaration also called for institutional safeguards to prevent a recurrence of such issues and structural reform of the National Election Commission.

Among the universities that issued the joint declaration were Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University. The declaration additionally advocated for the establishment of an independent monitoring body, which would include civil society, youth, and university students. The student councils released their declaration on the 39th anniversary of the June Democratic Struggle of 1987.

President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged the student concerns during a press conference. He described the students' actions as a reminder that questions of electoral integrity are ultimately questions of democratic sovereignty. President Lee Jae-myung also ordered a formal investigation into the ballot shortage.

In response to the incident, prosecutors and police established a joint investigation headquarters. Investigators conducted searches of the National Election Commission on June 11, along with six regional election commissions. Discussions are underway in the National Assembly regarding a parliamentary inquiry into the ballot shortage.