Jo Seung-rae, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, dismissed calls for a re-vote from the People Power Party regarding the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, stating, "There is no value in responding to that." His comments have sparked reactions among netizens in online communities.
After a press conference with party leader Jeong Cheong-rae on June 4, Jo told reporters, "Someone must take responsibility for this, and we will hold them accountable," adding that the future of the Election Commission's Secretary-General should also be reconsidered.
He emphasized that the matter will not be swept under the rug just because the election has concluded, insisting on accountability from the Election Commission.
However, Jo drew a line against the People Power Party's claims for a halt in vote counting and a re-vote.
"There is no value in responding to the People Power Party's demands for a halt in counting and a re-vote," Jo explained. "Many citizens of Seoul have already cast their votes, and the counting is proceeding normally."
He further criticized the People Power Party, saying, "Now that the election results are favorable for them, I believe they will stop talking about these issues. I hope they refrain from engaging in low-level politics that muddy the waters as the counting progresses in their favor."
Online, netizens expressed their opinions regarding Jo's remarks.
Some comments included, "If there are citizens who could not exercise their right to vote, a re-examination is necessary regardless of the results," and "It is hard to understand how you can hold the Election Commission accountable while dismissing discussions about a re-vote." Others remarked, "Isn't this a serious violation of voting rights?" and "Even if the election results do not change, principles must be upheld." Some expressed disbelief that such a person represents the public, calling it akin to dictatorship, while others suggested he should focus on his health.
Earlier, on election day, a shortage of ballots led to a temporary halt in voting in areas such as Songpa District in Seoul. In response, the People Power Party strongly opposed the situation, demanding a nationwide halt in counting and a re-vote.
During a protest visit to the Election Commission, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated, "Voting continued past the deadline in Seoul due to a lack of ballots, so the election itself is invalid, and a re-vote must be conducted."
However, in the Seoul mayoral election, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party overtook Jung Won-o of the Democratic Party in the final stages of counting, securing victory and setting a record as the first mayor of Seoul to serve five terms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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