NEC's swift response to ruling party lawmaker fuels opposition's collusion claims

South Korea's People Power Party has accused the National Election Commission (NEC) of preferential treatment, alleging it responded to a request from a Democratic Party lawmaker within minutes while neglecting urgent issues like ballot shortages on election day. The criticism comes amid growing scrutiny of the NEC's impartiality.

Rep. Chung Jin-suk, the People Power Party's floor leader, stated that the NEC acted like a "civil affairs office" for the ruling party when it promptly responded to a call from Rep. Seo Young-kyo regarding publicity for preventing double-voting. He contrasted this with the prolonged waits citizens experienced at polling stations where ballot papers were insufficient.

According to records submitted by the NEC, Rep. Seo contacted NEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak on election day requesting publicity for preventing double-voting in local council elections. The NEC's then-Secretary General, Huh Cheol-hoon, reportedly responded within nine minutes and called Rep. Seo again later that day. Chung Jin-suk argued that this swift action, contrasted with the delays faced by ordinary voters, demonstrates a deep-rooted collusion between the Democratic Party and the NEC.

The opposition party is demanding accountability, suggesting that if the Democratic Party is serious about election reform, Rep. Seo should resign from her position as chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The People Power Party also insists on its right to recommend a special prosecutor for an investigation into election management issues, rejecting the Democratic Party's attempts to retain that right.