Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections over ballot shortages continued for the 23rd consecutive day on Saturday.
Participants chanted slogans claiming election fraud and calling for a rerun outside the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in southern Seoul. As of 8 p.m., some 22,000-24,000 people were estimated to be in the Olympic Park area.
The protests began June 5, two days after ballot shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations across the nation. Protesters have blockaded the stadium to prevent the removal of ballot boxes inside.
The election watchdog apologized for the shortages but said they do not warrant a rerun under the election law. A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors has been investigating the shortages. A separate rally of about 500 young protesters was also held near Hongik University subway station.
