Lawmakers hold press conference at scene

Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han (center), who is leading the investigation into the ballot shortage and related issues from the June 3 local elections, moves toward the entrance of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Seoul on Wednesday ahead of a public verification of ballots. [Yonhap]
Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han (center), who is leading the investigation into the ballot shortage and related issues from the June 3 local elections, moves toward the entrance of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Seoul on Wednesday ahead of a public verification of ballots. [Yonhap]

The Democratic Party of Korea called Wednesday for a thorough and impartial public verification of ballots from the June 3 local elections, saying the process must leave "not a single allegation unresolved."

Democratic Party lawmakers on the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee held a press conference in front of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium ahead of the National Election Commission special prosecutor's public verification, saying the review "must serve as an opportunity to resolve the ongoing controversy and bring an end to the prolonged occupation."

The lawmakers urged that the verification be conducted "solely on the basis of objective facts and evidence, free from any outside pressure or political consideration," and called on investigators to "thoroughly examine all allegations raised so far in accordance with the principle of independent investigation."

The ruling party members of the committee also said that while legitimate expressions of opinion must be respected, "illegal acts that obstruct the verification or threaten safety at the scene cannot be tolerated," and demanded that order and safety be strictly maintained.

They added that "allegations and controversy surrounding the election must no longer translate into harm for citizens," and said they would use the public verification as an opportunity to end the prolonged occupation and help residents return to their daily lives.

The lawmakers also said they would "correct the flaws in election administration exposed by the ballot shortage," pledging to fulfill the National Assembly's role and responsibility in fully guaranteeing citizens' right to vote and restoring public trust in elections.


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