National Assembly Speaker Calls for Investigation into Voting Irregularities

By LEE KEONHEE Posted : June 18, 2026, 17:20 Updated : June 18, 2026, 17:20
National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik poses for a commemorative photo with the leaders of minor parties before their meeting at the National Assembly on June 18. From left: Cheon Ha-ram (Reform Party), Kim Jun-hyung (Justice Party), Cho Jung-sik (National Assembly Speaker), Yoon Jong-o (Progressive Party), Yong Hye-in (Basic Income Party), Han Chang-min (Social Democratic Party) [Photo=Yonhap News]
 
Cho Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, met with leaders of minor parties on June 18 to discuss the investigation into the voting irregularities that arose during the June 3 local elections and by-elections. He urged cooperation in establishing reforms for election management.
During the meeting at the National Assembly, Cho emphasized, "It is the duty and responsibility of the National Assembly to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the infringement of voting rights." He met with Kim Jun-hyung (Justice Party), Yoon Jong-o (Progressive Party), Cheon Ha-ram (Reform Party), Yong Hye-in (Basic Income Party), and Han Chang-min (Social Democratic Party).
Cho noted that while the seven parties in the National Assembly may have different values, they share common policy goals of protecting national sovereignty, safeguarding the national interest, and ensuring the stability of people's livelihoods. He stated, "The National Assembly is not solely operated by the power of the majority; it is important to reflect diverse opinions in governance, regardless of party size. When discussions with minor parties are adequately represented, we can move toward a National Assembly that guarantees the diversity of popular sovereignty."
He also promised to maintain close communication with minor parties and to listen to their opinions, assuring that he would carefully monitor to prevent any unreasonable restrictions or disadvantages for minor parties in committee assignments, decision-making, and major activities.
Meanwhile, the plan for the national investigation has already been agreed upon by both ruling and opposition parties and is expected to be processed in the afternoon session of the National Assembly. The special committee for the investigation into the Election Commission also held its first meeting that morning, officially beginning the procedures for uncovering the truth. Members from both sides of the aisle unanimously called for an "unrestricted investigation."



* This article has been translated by AI.

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