South Korean Party Demands Special Prosecutor for Election Probe, Slams NEC's 'Self-Investigation'

The People Power Party has strongly criticized the National Election Commission's (NEC) plan to conduct its own investigation into election irregularities, labeling it an inadequate "self-investigation." The party insists that only a joint parliamentary inquiry and a special prosecutor can thoroughly address the issues plaguing the electoral process.

“

A self-investigation led by the president's dining companion is not the answer; a state audit and special prosecutor are.

"A self-investigation led by the president's dining companion is not the answer; a state audit and special prosecutor are," stated Choi Soo-jin, the party's senior deputy floor leader, in a press briefing. She argued that the NEC's decision to form its own "truth-finding committee" is out of touch with public expectations, especially since the body in question is investigating itself.

Choi specifically targeted the NEC's acting chief, Wi Cheol-hwan, highlighting his past as a "rice friend" with President Lee during their law school days. She questioned how someone appointed based on personal connections rather than expertise could possibly conduct a fair investigation into the "election disaster" he is accused of orchestrating.

“

The problem's responsible party forming an investigation committee to investigate themselves is already far from the public's eye.

"A 'self-investigation' like leaving a cat in charge of fish cannot possibly root out the rot within the NEC," Choi asserted. The People Power Party is demanding a two-track approach: a special committee for a parliamentary investigation with equal participation from both parties to scrutinize administrative failures, and a special prosecutor to thoroughly investigate illegal activities.

“

How the person who collectively ruined this election disaster as the person in charge can fairly investigate his own wrongdoing is incomprehensible.

Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, echoed these sentiments, stating that the NEC's "moral hazard and lax management have plummeted to an incurable level." He condemned the "disgraceful money party" that has been revealed, where the organization's integrity has collapsed due to unprecedented mismanagement, while taxpayer money is treated carelessly. He concluded that superficial measures like personnel changes are insufficient, and only a complete overhaul, dismantling the organization and rebuilding it from the ground up, can be the sole solution.

“

A 'self-investigation' like leaving a cat in charge of fish cannot possibly root out the rot within the NEC.