[EXPLAINER] Why Korea's election watchdog became untouchable — and what must change

“The National Election Commission (NEC) has found its credibility tarnished following the June 3 local elections, with ballot shortages exposing how its constitutional independence, designed to prevent political interference, fostered weak accountability and administrative complacency. The election watchdog underestimated voter turnout at dozens of polling stations where ballot papers ran out, disrupting voting and sparking protests that underscored eroding public confidence in election management. The incident added to a series of controversies surrounding the commission, including the 2022 presidential election when some voters were instructed to place completed ballots in plastic baskets instead of directly into ballot boxes, and allegations of preferential hiring involving NEC officials’ children. Together, these controversies have fueled criticism that the NEC's extensive independence has undermined effective oversight and transparency. "The commission is possibly facing the gravest crisis in the more than 60 years since its establishment, during which it grew into an 'untouchable'

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