Protests over ballot shortage during local elections enter 14th day

Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections marred by ballot paper shortages continued their ongoing demonstration for the 14th consecutive day Thursday at a ballot counting site despite sweltering heat.

Under the scorching sun, protesters chanted slogans claiming election fraud outside SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern district of Songpa, which was used as a ballot counting center for the elections.

The protests began on June 5, two days after ballot shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations.

Some protesters could be seen cooling themselves off with fans while guarding the entrance of the gymnasium in a move to prevent election officials from removing the ballot boxes inside.

While the National Election Commission (NEC) has apologized for the ballot shortages, it says they do not warrant a rerun under the election law. A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors has been investigating the NEC over the shortages.

Meanwhile, police have booked a man in his 30s who was taken into custody after brandishing and swinging a sharp weapon near the gymnasium on Wednesday.

The man, who injured himself during the incident, repeatedly shouted that people were dying inside the gymnasium before police apprehended him.

Police plan to investigate him on charges of aggravated intimidation after he receives hospital treatment.

Yonhap