Main opposition PPP to file election petitions over ballot shortage
En resumen
- South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is set to file election petitions over a ballot shortage in the June 3 local elections.
- The party may file in up to nine races, sparking internal criticism and debate over the necessity and aims of the petitions.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
The People Power Party is preparing to file election petitions concerning a ballot shortage during the recent local elections. This action follows protests demanding a rerun of the elections.
SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was set to file election petitions with the election watchdog Wednesday over a shortage of ballots reported during the June 3 local elections.
The PPP is considering filing petitions in up to nine metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races, including in six regions where the shortage of ballots were initially reported, a party official told Yonhap News Agency.
The PPP will hold a general meeting of its lawmakers at 2 p.m. to discuss details before filing the petitions.
Under Article 219 of the Public Election Act, election petitions for the local elections must be filed within 14 days of the election date.
If the National Election Commission accepts the petitions, a revote must be held within 30 days from the date the decision is notified. If rejected, the PPP could take the case to court.
On Monday, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok convened an emergency supreme council meeting and decided to file election petitions in six regions -- Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, Ulsan, Busan and Gwangju-South Jeolla Province.
The PPP is mulling adding three more regions, including the conservative stronghold of Daegu, to the list of areas subject to the petitions.
The decision to include races won by the PPP, including the crucial battleground of Seoul, where incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon won a fifth term, has promoted criticism within the party.
Rep. Jang has brushed aside the criticism, emphasizing the need to uphold principles.
The party leadership has shown differing views over the petitions, with the PPP leader saying the petitions are only the beginning of a process ultimately aimed at holding a nationwide revote.
Critics said Jang seeks to utilize the ballot shortage to avert pressure within the party for him to step down to take responsibility for the election defeat.
PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig has taken a more cautious stance, stressing the need to first determine whether there were irregularities in the voting process, rather than immediately calling for a revote.
Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections marred by ballot shortages have continued for the 13th consecutive day.
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A revote may be held in affected regions if petitions are accepted.
Posible · En semanas
Preguntas abiertas
- Will the election petitions be accepted?
- What will be the outcome of the petitions?
- Will a nationwide revote be held?
