Han Byeongdo: "Ballot Paper Shortage Is Unprecedented in Constitutional History... Special Prosecutor Bill to Be Submitted"

"Investigation Will Also Cover Corruption and Incompetence Within the Election Commission"
Third-Party Nomination Proposed for Special Prosecutor

Byeongdo Han, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that he would propose a special prosecutor bill this week to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shortage of ballot papers in the June 3 local elections.

Han Byungdo, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Yonhap News Agency

On July 5, Acting Party Leader Han stated via Facebook, "The shortage of ballot papers, which infringed upon citizens' suffrage, is an unprecedented event in our constitutional history that cannot be justified for any reason," and added, "This week, I will submit a special prosecutor bill targeting the National Election Commission."

He said the special prosecutor's investigation would cover the reasons behind the reduction in ballot paper printing, the omissions and delays in reporting on election day, and suspicions of corruption and inadequate response within the Election Commission. He further emphasized, "Regardless of position, anyone who is responsible must be held legally accountable."

Acting Party Leader Han also criticized the People Power Party's stance regarding the method of nominating the special prosecutor. He stated, "The People Power Party's argument that the Democratic Party should be excluded from the nomination process is an unfounded political offensive," adding, "It is an attempt to prioritize political strife over truth-finding."

He went on to say, "For a fair investigation that excludes political interests, it is necessary to consider having a third-party organization, not the ruling or opposition parties, recommend the special prosecutor." He added, "Considering the independence and neutrality of the Election Commission, it may be more reasonable for an organization such as the Korean Bar Association or another third party to make the recommendation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.