Parties clash over NEC reform after election ballot shortage

South Korean political parties have initiated significant reforms targeting the National Election Commission (NEC) in the wake of a ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections. Both the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) agree on the need to enhance external oversight of the NEC's operations.

The PPP is strongly advocating for both a parliamentary inquiry and the appointment of a special prosecutor to thoroughly investigate the NEC's shortcomings. Party officials have voiced strong criticism, calling for "dissolution-level" organizational reform. Meanwhile, the DP insists that a parliamentary inquiry should precede any discussion of a special prosecutor, emphasizing a phased approach to the investigation.

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The incompetence and corruption of the NEC have now completely exceeded the public's patience. What is needed now is not a show-off self-investigation or a stopgap measure, but a thorough investigation through a special prosecutor and a parliamentary inquiry, and organizational reform at the level of dissolution.

Negotiations are underway between the parties regarding the duration and specific focus of the parliamentary inquiry. While the DP aims to pass the inquiry motion by June 18, the PPP agrees on the urgency but is locked in a dispute over the committee's composition, proposing a 9-to-9 parity between the two parties, which the DP rejects.

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There is no point in meeting separately to discuss a special prosecutor and a parliamentary inquiry, as we have already stated that we will take all necessary measures, including a special prosecutor. I think we can discuss it within the framework of the ongoing parliamentary inquiry discussions.

Discussions also involve the potential scope of the inquiry, with some PPP members pushing to include the government and presidential office. However, the DP has drawn a line, deeming such an expansion politically motivated and inappropriate for addressing the core issue of election irregularities.

Legislative proposals are emerging to bolster the NEC's external accountability. The PPP has introduced a bill to formalize the appointment of external auditors with specific qualifications, requiring them to submit annual reports to the National Assembly. The DP has also signaled intentions to propose legislation aimed at institutionalizing the recommendation process for NEC members and enhancing audit mechanisms.

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It is inappropriate to drag the president and the presidential office and the government into this for political attacks. It seems to be an intention to politically exploit this incident rather than a stance to fundamentally resolve the infringement of suffrage.