The ruling and opposition parties have reached a consensus on the need for reform of the Election Commission and an investigation into the shortage of ballots that occurred during the June 3 local elections. However, they are divided on the solutions to these issues.
On July 6, Han Byeong-do, acting leader of the Democratic Party, stated at a Supreme Council meeting, "The Democratic Party will submit a special investigation bill this week to resolve the ballot shortage issue. The opposition's insistence on sole recommendations is merely a claim for political strife, not for uncovering the truth."
Both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party agree on the necessity of a special investigation to hold responsible parties accountable and to prevent future occurrences. However, the Democratic Party insists that a third-party recommendation is essential to eliminate political considerations, while the People Power Party argues that the opposition should have the sole right to recommend to ensure a proper investigation.
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, posted on Facebook, "A specific party has even created a law that could imprison those who criticize the Election Commission for up to 10 years, and has actively blocked the Board of Audit and Inspection's oversight of the Commission, claiming it is a 'constitutional institution.'"
He added, "The Democratic Party, which defended the Election Commission during the family hiring scandal, is clearly in a 'co-conspirator relationship.' Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party, and the Election Commission are in the same boat, so the special investigation must be recommended by the People Power Party to dismantle the election cartel that is the root of all evil."
Regarding the composition of the Election Commission, the two parties have proposed different solutions. The Democratic Party's task force for protecting citizens' voting rights suggested on June 26 expanding the current single commissioner of the Central Election Commission to three commissioners, each responsible for voting, management, and organizational operations to enhance accountability.
In contrast, People Power Party lawmaker Choi Eun-seok proposed an amendment to the Election Commission Act on July 5, which includes making all nine members of the Central Election Commission commissioners and establishing an audit committee composed of external personnel.
Additionally, Yoon Sang-hyun, chairman of the National Assembly's Special Committee on National Investigation, called for a public recount of the remaining 2.47 million ballots at the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, located in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Yoon explained, "The cost of renting the venue will be about 200 million won until the 10th, and mobilizing people for the recount is estimated to cost around 50 million won."
He further stated, "I will request an agreement between the ruling and opposition party secretaries, and a conclusion will be reached soon." The Election Commission has previously expressed its willingness to participate in a public verification process involving both parties and citizens.
However, the Democratic Party has taken a cautious stance regarding the public recount request. Kim Seong-hwa, a member of the National Assembly's Special Committee, stated in a phone interview with Aju Economy, "We are currently organizing our position. Discussions will take place gradually."
As the Special Committee is set to conduct on-site investigations of the Central Election Commission on July 7, discussions regarding the recount are expected to follow in due course.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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