Recount Unlikely... People Power Party Calls for Discussion on Special Prosecutor's Verification Methods

At the National Assembly Special Committee on the National Investigation into the Ballot Paper Shortage Crisis during the 9th Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections, the ruling and opposition parties had tentatively agreed to a recount of ballots at Olympic Park, but the plan is effectively falling apart despite the special counsel's consent to observe. As the committee's term is set to expire on August 31, opposition lawmakers are insisting that the method for recounting must still be discussed.

Yonhap News Agency

On August 27, some members of the People Power Party's special investigation committee told reporters at the party's parliamentary workshop in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, "How can the National Election Commission, under its direction, conduct a precise inspection of 2.47 million ballots in a single day and resolve all the suspicions?" they stated.

Previously, members of the special investigation committee from the Democratic Party of Korea and other pro-government parties said, "On August 21, the special counsel communicated consent for the recount, and just the day before, requested that 'should any irregular ballot papers be found during verification, the special counsel's right to collect evidence must be guaranteed.' Yet now, the People Power Party is saying the recount cannot proceed," adding, "From the beginning, this investigation by the People Power Party was not about uncovering the truth, but rather served as a political tool like a lifeline to extend the political career of Jang Donghyeok's leadership."

Regarding this, Assemblyman Joo Jinwoo from the People Power Party told reporters, "The special counsel was simply stating a fundamental principle, that evidence must not be destroyed during the recount process. The special counsel did not initially request a recount; rather, the special investigation committee decided to move forward with the recount and asked for the special counsel's cooperation," he explained. "I proposed holding a meeting of the special investigation committee to devise specific methods to satisfy the special counsel's requirements, but the Democratic Party refused," he said.

Assemblyman Joo further explained, "Since the recount is not stipulated as a legal procedure, there is no predetermined method for how it should be conducted. From the special counsel’s perspective, sufficient investigative personnel and forensic equipment are necessary. What we are asking is to guarantee a process in which the special counsel can participate effectively."

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