The National Election Commission(NEC) is demanding accountability after martial law troops occupied the commission’s building Tuesday night.

In a statement released Friday, NEC Chairperson Rho Tae-ak expressed deep regret over the troops’ actions, which he called unlawful and clear violations of the Constitution. 

Rho said some 300 martial law troops entered the commission’s building Tuesday night and seized the mobile phones of five employees who were on night duty. 

According to Rho, the troops restricted movement into and out of the building, occupying it for some three hours and 20 minutes. 

Rho said the NEC is a constitutionally independent organization that was established to ensure the fair management of elections and referendums, as well as to handle affairs related to political parties in line with the Constitution. 

The commission chair urged related government agencies to disclose to the public why the troops occupied the commission’s building and on what grounds.