Rival parties agree to parliamentary probe on election ballot shortage

Key facts

• Rival parties have agreed to a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission.
• The investigation will focus on ballot shortages during recent local elections.
• The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) plans to file election petitions challenging results in up to nine races.
• Under election law, petitions must be filed within 14 days of the election date.
• If accepted, petitions could lead to a revote within 30 days of the decision notification.

South Korean rival political parties have agreed to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission concerning ballot shortages that occurred during recent local elections. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is also preparing to file election petitions challenging the results in up to nine metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races.

The PPP's decision to file petitions, which must be submitted within 14 days of the election date, comes amid ongoing protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections. A party official indicated that petitions could be filed in six regions where shortages were initially reported, with consideration given to adding three more, including the conservative stronghold of Daegu. The party plans to hold a general meeting of its lawmakers to finalize details before submission.

Under the Public Election Act, if the National Election Commission accepts the petitions, a revote must be held within 30 days of the decision notification. If the petitions are rejected, the PPP has the option to pursue the case in court. The move by PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok to include races won by his party, such as the Seoul mayoral election, has drawn criticism from within the party, though Jang has emphasized the principle of upholding fairness and suggested the petitions are a step toward a potential nationwide revote. Other party members, like floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig, have adopted a more cautious approach, prioritizing the determination of irregularities before calling for a revote.