Opposition plans special prosecutor probe into election commission over ballot issues

The Democratic Party announced its intention to introduce a special prosecutor bill this week, targeting the National Election Commission (NEC) concerning issues related to ballot shortages during a recent election. This move comes as the ruling People Power Party has put forth its own special prosecutor bill, which proposes that the opposition party should recommend the prosecutor.

In response, the Democratic Party is exploring alternative methods for selecting the special prosecutor, including granting recommendation authority to a neutral third party like the Korean Bar Association. This approach aims to overcome the stalemate and ensure a thorough investigation into the NEC's handling of the ballot printing and distribution process.

“

The Democratic Party will submit the NEC special prosecutor bill this week. The investigation will cover the reasons for the reduced ballot print run, the failure to report delays to election officials, and potential internal corruption or incompetence within the NEC.

Rep. Han Byung-do, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated on Facebook that the party would submit the NEC special prosecutor bill this week. He specified that the investigation would cover the reasons for the reduced ballot print run, the failure to report delays to election officials, and potential internal corruption or incompetence within the NEC. The party aims to pass the bill within the current month.

However, the method of recommending the special prosecutor is expected to be a key point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties. Han criticized the People Power Party's proposal, calling their insistence on excluding the Democratic Party from the recommendation process "absurd sophistry" and "a strategic incitement devoid of any value."

“

The People Power Party is making absurd sophistry about excluding the Democratic Party from the special prosecutor recommendation process. It is strategic incitement devoid of any value.