South Korean protesters demand election re-run after ballot shortage
According to the South China Morning Post, thousands of demonstrators in the South Korean cities of Daegu and Busan called for a re-run after alleging ballot shortages in last week's by-elections in certain districts. The National Election Commission has launched an investigation.
Reports from the South China Morning Post's Seoul bureau say that during the 31 May local by-elections, several polling stations in Daegu and Busan allegedly experienced ballot shortages. Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party have rallied in front of city halls for three days demanding a re-run.
The National Election Commission has set up a committee with two independent observers to review the records. An NEC spokesperson said the issue may have been logistical but that all complaints will be evaluated before final results are certified. The ruling People Power Party has called the allegations exaggerated and is awaiting observer reports.
The size of the protests produced some pressure on South Korea's Kospi stock index. Market participants say there is no immediate volatility risk, though prolonged political uncertainty could slow capital flows. President Lee Jae-myung has urged calm. This is not investment advice.
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