Some lawmakers of the Democratic Party of Korea have called for re-elections in connection with the ballot shortage that occurred in parts of Seoul during the June 3 local elections. The voices contrast with the party leadership, which has drawn a line by saying the situation is "not grounds for a re-election."
Park Sun-won, a Democratic Party lawmaker, wrote on his Facebook page Saturday that "areas where ballots became a problem should hold re-elections." He argued, "Despite being able to predict two to three days in advance how many more ballots would be needed through early voting, the National Election Commission supplied ballots in insufficient numbers and must take responsibility by guaranteeing re-elections."
Choi Min-hee, a lawmaker from the same party, also wrote on her Facebook page that while "Jang Dong-hyeok's call for a full re-election is unreasonable," she added, "Let's hold re-elections only in areas where ballots became a problem."
This appears to be a response from part of the Democratic Party to the re-election demands made by the People Power Party and other conservative opposition forces. However, instead of the "full re-election" called for by People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok and others, the Democratic Party figures take the position that re-elections should be held only for the elections where ballot shortages occurred.
Regarding these voices within the party, Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do showed a cautious reaction at a press briefing held the same day, saying, "I am aware that such talk is coming up a lot," while adding, "Since the People Power Party says it will file a lawsuit, we will watch the court's decision in accordance with the law and principles." This is a step back from his dismissal immediately after the incident occurred, when he said it was "not grounds for a re-election."
Meanwhile, Jang called for a full re-election at a press conference held at the National Assembly the same day, saying, "If citizens' right to political participation was infringed upon and the election was tainted, this is not a matter of weighing which party benefits or loses." He also raised his voice, saying the early voting system should be abolished, adding that "half of the public distrusts it."
