The Democratic Party submitted a request for a national investigation on June 8 into the voting paper shortage that occurred at some polling stations during the June 3 local elections. They specifically rejected claims from the ruling People Power Party that the presidential office should also be included in the investigation, urging against politicizing the issue.
Cheon Jun-ho, the party's floor leader, along with policy chief Kim Han-kyu and spokesperson Lee Joo-hee, visited the National Assembly's legislative office to file the request.
Speaking to reporters, Cheon stated, "Voting papers are official documents through which the people, as sovereigns, delegate power, and they are the most fundamental means of democracy. This incident undermines the procedures and trust of democracy and is a serious matter that cannot be dismissed as a mere administrative error."
He added, "The National Election Commission failed to respond in a timely manner despite being aware of the situation in advance, leading to significant confusion. In some polling stations, delays in transporting ballot boxes occurred, damaging public trust in the election results. Therefore, we submitted the request to examine the overall issues within the election management system and to formulate reform measures."
The Democratic Party also indicated that they would continue discussions with the People Power Party to develop detailed plans for the investigation.
Cheon emphasized, "We will work with the opposition to prepare a detailed plan. Since the process requires reporting to the plenary session followed by a vote, it is essential for both parties to swiftly collaborate on the plan."
Additionally, the Democratic Party dismissed the People Power Party's assertion that the presidential office should be included in the investigation, stating, "Do not politicize this matter."
Cheon remarked, "Mentioning the presidential office in relation to the national investigation is an attempt to politicize the issue. It is appropriate for the presidential office to maintain a certain distance from the independent National Election Commission."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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