The National Assembly's special committee investigating the mismanagement of ballots during the local elections criticized the Central Election Commission (CEC) during a hearing on July 22. The People Power Party argued that the investigation period should be extended as the facts have not yet been fully uncovered.
During the second hearing, the committee focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding the infringement of voting rights and developing institutional remedies. Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Boo-nam stated, "Out of 2,162 polling places in Seoul, 310 reported 653 instances of double voting, and 104 ballot counting centers in Songpa have yet to be reviewed," questioning the necessity of the CEC's existence.
People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-min remarked, "The thick layer of dust accumulated over 65 years at the CEC is more frightening than any villain," asserting that the special investigation must reveal illegalities and that complacency should be addressed through reform.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man highlighted issues of nepotism in hiring at the CEC, stating, "Children of former and current secretaries, as well as friends' children and future sons-in-law, were included in the irregular hiring practices," adding that only one of the high-ranking officials who passed on their positions faced any disciplinary action.
Kim Eun-hye, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, claimed that the police are conducting a lackluster investigation into the CEC, noting, "I understand that the search warrant for former CEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak's phone was rejected," and pointed out that areas of concern have evaded scrutiny.
With the conclusion of the second hearing, the scheduled activities of the special committee are set to wrap up. However, as the investigation report has not yet been adopted, a full meeting to approve it is expected to take place in the future.
Members of the People Power Party are advocating for an extension of the committee's activities. The opposition's secretary, Seo Beom-soo, along with other opposition members, held a press conference, stating, "The necessary materials for uncovering the truth have not been adequately provided. Witness testimonies have been inconsistent," emphasizing that hastily concluding the investigation would sever the complementary relationship with the special investigation.
Lawmaker Choi Bo-yoon added, "There is still much to uncover regarding the infringement of voting rights, and there is no reason to rush to conclude the investigation," urging the National Assembly to do its utmost to resolve any additional concerns raised by the public.
Despite the People Power Party's assertions, the likelihood of extending the committee's activities appears slim. Democratic Party lawmakers expressed a negative stance on the extension during the committee meeting. The People Power Party plans to continue negotiations for an extension until the committee's activities conclude on August 1.
During the second hearing, the committee focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding the infringement of voting rights and developing institutional remedies. Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Boo-nam stated, "Out of 2,162 polling places in Seoul, 310 reported 653 instances of double voting, and 104 ballot counting centers in Songpa have yet to be reviewed," questioning the necessity of the CEC's existence.
People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-min remarked, "The thick layer of dust accumulated over 65 years at the CEC is more frightening than any villain," asserting that the special investigation must reveal illegalities and that complacency should be addressed through reform.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man highlighted issues of nepotism in hiring at the CEC, stating, "Children of former and current secretaries, as well as friends' children and future sons-in-law, were included in the irregular hiring practices," adding that only one of the high-ranking officials who passed on their positions faced any disciplinary action.
Kim Eun-hye, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, claimed that the police are conducting a lackluster investigation into the CEC, noting, "I understand that the search warrant for former CEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak's phone was rejected," and pointed out that areas of concern have evaded scrutiny.
With the conclusion of the second hearing, the scheduled activities of the special committee are set to wrap up. However, as the investigation report has not yet been adopted, a full meeting to approve it is expected to take place in the future.
Members of the People Power Party are advocating for an extension of the committee's activities. The opposition's secretary, Seo Beom-soo, along with other opposition members, held a press conference, stating, "The necessary materials for uncovering the truth have not been adequately provided. Witness testimonies have been inconsistent," emphasizing that hastily concluding the investigation would sever the complementary relationship with the special investigation.
Lawmaker Choi Bo-yoon added, "There is still much to uncover regarding the infringement of voting rights, and there is no reason to rush to conclude the investigation," urging the National Assembly to do its utmost to resolve any additional concerns raised by the public.
Despite the People Power Party's assertions, the likelihood of extending the committee's activities appears slim. Democratic Party lawmakers expressed a negative stance on the extension during the committee meeting. The People Power Party plans to continue negotiations for an extension until the committee's activities conclude on August 1.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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