The People Power Party held an emergency meeting on June 4, the day after the local elections, to demand a national investigation into the ballot paper shortage that occurred during the June 3 elections.
During the meeting, floor leader Song Eon-seok stated, "There was a significant issue that prevented us from concluding the evaluation and organization of the final results of the June 3 local elections." He explained the need for the urgent gathering.
Before the meeting, lawmakers held placards reading, "Thorough investigation into the ballot paper shortage" and "Severe punishment for those responsible for the election mishap," chanting slogans demanding accountability.
Song highlighted the issues surrounding the ballot paper shortage, asserting, "The Election Commission hastily printed and delivered new ballots yesterday, which appears to be a violation of the Public Official Election Act. Additionally, bringing in printed ballots also constitutes a legal violation." He added that there are still substantial questions about whether the delivery process was managed properly.
He particularly noted, "Voting hours were extended until 10 p.m., yet exit poll results were released at 6 p.m., and counting began in some areas. If voters cast their ballots after 10 p.m. knowing the exit poll and early counting results, it directly violates Article 108 of the Public Official Election Act, which mandates a blackout period for polls five days prior to the election."
In response, the People Power Party made five official demands. Song urged the Election Commission to conduct its own investigation into the three major offenses and called for the immediate resignation of the Commission's Secretary General and the Chair of the Seoul Election Commission. He also demanded legislative action to strengthen institutional controls over election management procedures and regulations, targeting the Democratic Party.
Regarding the election results, he remarked, "The public has provided a clear answer and direction on how politics can be properly aligned, ensuring at least a minimal system of checks and balances."
Finally, he criticized President Lee Jae-myung, stating, "This election process has confirmed that the president is one who divides the nation rather than unites it, serving only half of the population instead of all citizens. I do not understand why he remains silent on such a serious issue while intervening in every aspect of governance."
After the meeting, Park Chung-kwon, the spokesperson for the Central Election Campaign Committee, told reporters, "We will request the Election Commission to provide at least the minimum materials necessary to explain how this situation occurred to the public. The People Power Party will hold accountable and work towards reforming the election system to ensure its integrity."
Meanwhile, regarding the absence of Representative Jang Dong-hyuk from the meeting, it was reported that he was unable to attend due to health reasons.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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