Seoul Mayor Opposes By-Election, Criticizes Party's Political Direction

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has expressed strong opposition to the idea of a by-election for the mayoral seat, a demand voiced by some within the People Power Party, including Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk. Oh stated that under current election law, a by-election cannot be held unless there was a "grave violation" of procedures that could have altered the election outcome. While acknowledging the political interests behind the calls, he emphasized the legal constraints.

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Political interests are understandable, but a by-election cannot be held unless there is a grave violation of procedures that could change the election outcome.

The mayor addressed the recent issue of insufficient ballots during the June 3 local elections, calling it an "unacceptable" situation. He reiterated his earlier statement that "all powerful means that the public can understand must be mobilized to thoroughly investigate the truth." However, he refrained from adding further comments beyond his official statement as the head of Seoul's administration.

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It is something that absolutely should not have happened. As I stated in my recent address to the citizens, 'all powerful means that the public can understand must be mobilized to thoroughly investigate the truth.' However, as the administrative head of Seoul, I cannot say more than what was in the statement.

Oh suggested that the push for a by-election might stem from the political ambitions of certain individuals seeking another chance at the mayoral office. He firmly drew a line, stating that the Public Official Election Act strictly prohibits a full by-election if administrative procedural flaws do not significantly impact the election results.

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I believe some politicians want to see a Seoul mayoral by-election reopened. Political interests are fully understandable, but the Public Official Election Act strictly stipulates that a full by-election cannot be held unless an administrative procedural flaw is a grave violation that could change the outcome.

Furthermore, Mayor Oh offered a critical assessment of the People Power Party's current political strategy. He argued that the results of the recent local elections signify a failure in the direction championed by Chairman Jang. Oh posited that the party stands at a crossroads, deciding whether to move towards the "rough seas of the center" or devolve into a "YouTube party" that solely caters to its most fervent supporters. He urged party lawmakers to make a decision about their future course, especially with the next general election on the horizon.

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The direction pursued by Chairman Jang has failed. The People Power Party is now at a crossroads: will it move towards the rough seas of the center, or will it degenerate into a 'YouTube party' that only scratches the itches of its hardline supporters? Now is the time for People Power Party lawmakers to decide whether they will contest the next general election with the current direction.