Democrats accuse rival party of 'delusional' attacks linking President to election commission

South Korea's Democratic Party has strongly rebuked the People Power Party (PPP), urging them to cease what they described as "delusional" attempts to link President Lee Jae-myung with the National Election Commission (NEC) and its recent issues.

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The People Power Party's perspective on the NEC's ballot paper shortage is increasingly deviating from common sense.

Kang Joon-hyun, the chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing that the PPP's perspective on the NEC's ballot paper shortage is increasingly deviating from common sense. He specifically criticized the PPP for using the NEC's acting chairman, Wi Cheol-hwan, who assumed the role after NEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak's resignation, to implicate President Lee.

This criticism was prompted by remarks from Na Kyung-won, a PPP lawmaker, who posted on Facebook that Wi Cheol-hwan is a close acquaintance and former classmate of President Lee. Na argued that it was absurd for Wi, described as President Lee's "meal friend," to lead the NEC's internal investigation into the ballot paper issue, suggesting he should instead confess and resign. She further asserted that President Lee bears ultimate responsibility for the entire situation, despite the NEC being an independent constitutional body.

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Choi Bo-yoon, the PPP's chief spokesperson, echoed similar sentiments, referencing the "meal friend" connection and stating that it is an insult to the public for someone close to the president to be in charge of NEC reforms, especially when a neutral figure is needed. The PPP has implied that the NEC's handling of the ballot shortage points to systemic flaws that could be exploited.

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It is absurd for Wi Cheol-hwan, President Lee's 'meal friend,' to investigate the NEC's situation himself. He should confess and resign.

Kang of the Democratic Party countered these claims, calling the PPP's arguments a "delusional worldview" built on irrelevant connections. He accused the PPP of ignoring basic procedures and facts to create a fabricated link to the president. Kang clarified that Wi Cheol-hwan's position as acting chairman was determined by a consensus among nine NEC members in October and that his authority as acting chairman was granted by regulation following Noh Tae-ak's departure. He further argued that the PPP's insistence on a "self-investigation" despite the NEC's decision to entrust the fact-finding to a civilian body is an attempt to mislead the public. The Democratic Party expressed concern that the PPP's actions are aimed at fueling conspiracy theories about election fraud.

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The People Power Party's arguments are a delusional worldview built on irrelevant connections. They are distorting facts and engaging in baseless political attacks.