Ruling party's unilateral election appeal sparks internal backlash

The ruling People Power Party's leadership has ignited internal dissent with its unilateral decision to file an election appeal over ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections. The party's leadership, including interim leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Jeong Jong-sik, convened an emergency supreme council meeting to resolve to file an appeal with the election commission. This appeal seeks a rerun of elections in six regions, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Busan, Ulsan, and Gwangju/Jeonnam, where voters' rights were allegedly infringed due to insufficient ballots.

The decision, announced by party spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon, aims for a full rerun of elections for all positions, from metropolitan and local government heads to council members. However, the specific polling stations affected by the ballot shortage have not been detailed. The appeal excludes parliamentary by-elections and superintendent elections.

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The party leader's unilateral decision is beyond common sense.

Party leadership justified the swift decision, citing the approaching deadline of Wednesday, June 17, for filing appeals, which must be lodged within 14 days of the election. Choi stated that the party leader holds the sole authority to file such appeals and that further delay was impossible.

This move has drawn sharp criticism from within the party. A second-term lawmaker from the Yeongnam region expressed frustration, calling the decision "disregardful" of lawmakers and "irresponsible" for demanding a full rerun. Another lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area labeled the party leader's actions as "beyond common sense." Kim Yong-tae criticized the decision on YTN radio, suggesting it was an attempt to tarnish Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and calling for accountability for the party leader's "irresponsible behavior."

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It was an attempt to tarnish Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

The office of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon acknowledged the appeal, stating they understood it pertained to specific polling stations in Seoul rather than a full rerun, and indicated they would monitor the situation. The main opposition Democratic Party's spokesperson, Kang Jun-hyun, condemned the appeal as election denial and an opportunistic exploitation of the ballot shortage for partisan gain.

The National Election Commission has 60 days to decide on the appeal. If accepted, a rerun election would be held within 30 days of the decision notification. Election law stipulates that an election can only be declared void if the outcome is deemed to have been affected.

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The People Power Party's appeal is election denial and an opportunistic exploitation of the ballot shortage for partisan gain.