Voices calling for a re-election in the Seoul mayoral race are emerging within the Democratic Party of Korea. Although candidate Chung Won-oh issued a message conceding defeat and accepting the result, demands for a re-election are erupting in various quarters as the fallout from the failure to reclaim the Seoul mayoralty intensifies.
According to political circles Wednesday, Kim Hyung-nam, standing chairman of candidate Chung Won-oh's election committee, said, "I propose that the Democratic Party file an election appeal demanding a re-election." He added, "This situation must not be wrapped up without following the procedures established by the system and leaving behind doubts and distrust about the election."
Rep. Park Sun-won of the Democratic Party also argued, "A re-election must be held in the areas where ballot papers became a problem." He said, "Despite being able to predict how many more ballot papers would be needed since early voting took place, the National Election Commission supplied an insufficient amount, and must take responsibility and guarantee a re-election."
In contrast, the opposition party, which had demanded a re-election centered around People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, appears to be distancing itself again. Rep. Yoo Eui-dong of the People Power Party stated, "As far as I know, opinions within the party on the re-election have not been unified into one."
He further pointed out, "Because this (re-election) is an extremely important matter, a process of seeking agreement through internal party consultation is clearly necessary," adding, "Since there has been no such process yet, it is difficult to regard this as the overall voice of the party." He continued, "Rather than connecting the re-election (calls) at Olympic Park with the leadership's status, I hope Leader Jang will deliberate sufficiently on what is necessary for the party."
Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok joined in as well. He wrote, "Leader Jang raised 'a full re-election including Seoul.' But one thing must be made clear," adding, "the Seoul mayoral election was won by Mayor Oh."
Lee then said, "There is only one path to nullifying a won election: for the defeated Democratic Party Seoul mayoral candidate Chung Won-oh to file an election invalidity lawsuit." He asked, "But candidate Chung has already cleanly conceded defeat. Is Leader Jang perhaps pleading, 'Have the opposing party overturn our party's victory through a lawsuit'?"
