People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok argued Thursday that "anyone has the freedom to cry 'election fraud'" in connection with the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections.
In a Facebook post that day, Jang said, "Whatever you call the 'ballot shortage incident,' the core issue is the 'deprivation of voting rights.'" He pointed out, "Young people and citizens are fighting with South Korea's liberal democracy at stake, while they are busy quibbling over terminology."
He continued, "When you call it election fraud, they disparage you as far-right; when you claim election fraud, they brand you a conspiracy theorist." He added, "They are even trying to take away the people's freedom to cry election fraud." Jang repeatedly argued, "By driving young people's blood-boiling claims into 'conspiracy theory' and dismissing citizens' voluntary resistance as 'far-right,' they are trying to weaken and obstruct the momentum of resistance."
He went on to say, "If you want to call it a 'botched election,' then call it that. Whatever you call it, that too is your freedom." He stressed, "But you must not trap the pure-hearted young people who cry election fraud in the frame of 'conspiracy theory.'" He raised his voice, saying, "Just as anyone has the freedom to drink 'Starbucks,' anyone has the freedom to cry 'election fraud.'" He added, "That is the liberal democracy these young people are trying to protect."
Jang added, "Do not block the freedom to shout. Do not obstruct the resistance of the square." He said, "In the end, the truth will be revealed. In the end, justice will prevail."
