PPP floor leader calls for parliamentary probe into shortage of ballots in local elections

The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday called for a parliamentary investigation into an unprecedented shortage of ballot papers in this week's local elections.

Rep. Song Eon-seog made the remarks during an emergency general meeting of PPP lawmakers at the National Assembly, after the shortage at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul on Wednesday prompted the temporary suspension of voting.

Some voters left without casting their ballots after a long wait.

The incident sparked public outrage, with angry protesters blocking the entrance to one of the polling stations to prevent election officials from removing the ballot boxes. "This is exactly the kind of case that requires a special counsel probe," Rep. Song said, calling for the parliamentary probe.

After the controversy surfaced Wednesday night, the PPP had initially demanded the National Election Commission (NEC) immediately suspend vote counting and hold a revote.

PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok and party officials visited the NEC on Wednesday to file an official complaint.

The ruling Democratic Pa