Jo Seung-rae, the Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, criticized the Election Commission's management of voting during the June 3 local elections, stating that "the position of the Election Commission's Secretary-General should be reconsidered." He also addressed the People Power Party's calls for a re-vote, urging them to refrain from engaging in "low-level politics" as the vote counting progressed favorably for them.
After a press conference held by Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, Jo told reporters, "Someone must take responsibility for this issue, and I will hold them accountable. The matter will not fade away just because the election is over." He added, "The People Power Party has called for a halt to vote counting and a re-vote, but I believe they will not mention it now that the election results are favorable for them."
Earlier, during the election process, a shortage of voting papers occurred in areas such as Songpa District, leading to an unprecedented temporary halt in voting.
In response, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk visited the Election Commission, asserting, "We must suspend all vote counting nationwide until we ascertain how many similar incidents have occurred across the country."
Jang further claimed, "Due to the shortage of voting papers in Seoul, voting continued even after the deadline, and the counting broadcast proceeded while voting was still ongoing, rendering the election itself invalid. A re-vote must be conducted."
In response, Jo stated to reporters in the counting situation room the previous day, "There is no value in responding to the People Power Party's demands for a halt to counting and a re-vote."
He continued, "Regardless of this issue, many citizens of Seoul cast their votes, and the voting has concluded, with the ballots sealed and transported to the counting center for processing."
Meanwhile, in the Seoul mayoral election, after 13 hours of counting, People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon overturned the lead of Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-o, marking a historic fifth term for Oh as mayor of Seoul.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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