The Democratic Party on June 24 urged officials from the Election Commission, who did not attend a national investigation related to the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, to "stop avoiding responsibility and cooperate." The party emphasized that there are no exceptions when it comes to protecting citizens' voting rights.
During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jung Cheong-rae, the party leader, stated, "This investigation must be conducted with a sense of heavy responsibility like never before."
He added, "What the public wants to see is not excuses or avoidance, but an honest acknowledgment and a commitment to rectify the situation responsibly."
Jung also noted, "Since the President has called for a thorough investigation into various allegations against the Election Commission, the National Assembly will fulfill its duties as well. Independence does not mean exemption from responsibility. There are no exceptions in protecting citizens' voting rights."
Han Byeong-do, the floor leader, remarked, "Attempts to uncover the truth in this national investigation have faced obstacles from the start," expressing surprise that those responsible for infringing on citizens' voting rights did not show their faces to the public.
He further pointed out that issues have arisen not only regarding ballot management but also concerning inappropriate business trips and excessive meeting allowances, highlighting a lack of accountability in light of the significant authority held by the Election Commission. He urged Election Commission officials to remember that sincere cooperation is the quickest way to calm public anger.
Meanwhile, during the first national investigation held the previous day, 16 individuals, including seven members of the Central Election Commission, were absent. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties criticized this as a "collective defiance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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