Members of the People Power Party, including Choi Soo-jin (from left), Park Chung-kwon, and Joo Jin-woo, enter the National Assembly on June 9 to submit a bill for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of election fraud and infringement of citizens' voting rights during the 9th nationwide local elections. [Photo: Yonhap News]
The People Power Party has submitted a special investigation bill in response to the ballot shortage issue during the June 3 local elections, following a request for a national investigation.
On June 9, all members of the People Power Party introduced a bill titled "Special Investigation Law for the Investigation of Allegations of Election Fraud and Infringement of Citizens' Voting Rights during the 9th Local Elections." The lead sponsor is Yoo Sang-bum, the party's floor leader. This move comes after the party submitted a request for a national investigation the previous day, intensifying pressure on the ruling party.
According to the bill, the special prosecutor will investigate allegations related to the ballot shortage, forced counting, excessive use of public power, illegal removal of ballot boxes, and tampering with ballot box transport routes and seals. If concrete evidence is found, the investigation could extend beyond the June 3 local elections to other elections.
The bill also stipulates that the president will appoint one of two nominees recommended by the People Power Party, and the entire special investigation team will consist of 251 members. The investigation period is set for a maximum of 170 days.
During a press conference held on the same day, Joo Jin-woo stated, "An independent investigation free from power is necessary, so we have excluded the Democratic Party's right to recommend a special prosecutor," emphasizing that the situation has made it impossible to trust the Central Election Management Commission's own announcements, and that the truth can only be uncovered through a compulsory investigation.
Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also held a press conference, addressing Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, saying, "Yesterday (June 8), we expressed our agreement to the special investigation, and there was communication among the floor leadership. Let's meet to discuss advancing the special investigation law."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party had previously submitted a request for a national investigation into the ballot situation on June 8. They argue that both parties should have nine members participating, with a member from their party serving as the chair. In relation to this, the Democratic Party also submitted a request for a national investigation on the same day and expressed their willingness to pursue a special investigation if necessary.
On June 9, all members of the People Power Party introduced a bill titled "Special Investigation Law for the Investigation of Allegations of Election Fraud and Infringement of Citizens' Voting Rights during the 9th Local Elections." The lead sponsor is Yoo Sang-bum, the party's floor leader. This move comes after the party submitted a request for a national investigation the previous day, intensifying pressure on the ruling party.
According to the bill, the special prosecutor will investigate allegations related to the ballot shortage, forced counting, excessive use of public power, illegal removal of ballot boxes, and tampering with ballot box transport routes and seals. If concrete evidence is found, the investigation could extend beyond the June 3 local elections to other elections.
The bill also stipulates that the president will appoint one of two nominees recommended by the People Power Party, and the entire special investigation team will consist of 251 members. The investigation period is set for a maximum of 170 days.
During a press conference held on the same day, Joo Jin-woo stated, "An independent investigation free from power is necessary, so we have excluded the Democratic Party's right to recommend a special prosecutor," emphasizing that the situation has made it impossible to trust the Central Election Management Commission's own announcements, and that the truth can only be uncovered through a compulsory investigation.
Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also held a press conference, addressing Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, saying, "Yesterday (June 8), we expressed our agreement to the special investigation, and there was communication among the floor leadership. Let's meet to discuss advancing the special investigation law."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party had previously submitted a request for a national investigation into the ballot situation on June 8. They argue that both parties should have nine members participating, with a member from their party serving as the chair. In relation to this, the Democratic Party also submitted a request for a national investigation on the same day and expressed their willingness to pursue a special investigation if necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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