South Korea President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called on the national assembly (the “Assembly”) to open an parliamentary investigation into a ballot shortage that disrupted the local elections in the country last week, stating that the response and explanation thus far to the public has been insufficient.

Stating that the right of citizens to vote is a constitutionally protected right that must never be restricted or infringed upon for any reason, Myung expressed his “deep regret” both as a citizen and as the president responsible for governing the nation.

Myung has also asked the Assembly to implement measured to prevent a repeat such disruptions and suggest institutional improvements to the Election Commission. Myung additionally promised that his office will take all possible measures at the executive level and announced that a joint investigation team of prosecutors and police has been formed to assist with the investigation.

Myung also chided the national election commission (the “Commission”) for losing the public trust and warned that it must take active steps to justify its continued existence:

The reason the Chairman of the National Election Commission is designated as one of the country’s five ministries is that the Election Commission is an independent institution with corresponding powers, duties, and responsibilities, just like the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

An independent institution that has lost the trust of the people has no reason to exist. The Election Commission must take this situation seriously, conduct a fundamental review of organizational operations and overall election management, and clearly demonstrate a strong commitment to reform and reform that the public can trust.

Myung has also expressed disappointment over the whole incident causing a “serious blow to the country’s reputation as a model democracy.” Protests demanding repeat elections have gone into the fourth day since the incident concerning ballot shortages while complaints have been filed with the South Korea Constitutional Court.

National Election Commission Chairman Rho Tae-ak issued a public apology on Friday for the election disruptions and acknowledged “unlimited responsibility for the situation.” Tae-ak resigned the same day and has said that he and other Commission staff will fully cooperate with any investigation.