Seoul: The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is preparing to submit election petitions to the election watchdog on Wednesday, citing a shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections. The decision to file these petitions comes as the party seeks to address concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the PPP is contemplating filing petitions in up to nine metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races. This includes six regions where the ballot shortages were initially noted. A party official highlighted that a general meeting of PPP lawmakers is scheduled for 2 p.m. to finalize the details of the petition submissions.
Under Article 219 of the Public Election Act, petitions related to the local elections must be submitted within 14 days of the election date. If the National Election Commission accepts the petitions, a revote must be conducted within 30 days from the date the decision is communicated. Should the petitions be rejected, the PPP may pursue the matter in court.
On Monday, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok called an emergency supreme council meeting to decide on filing petitions in six key regions, namely Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, Ulsan, Busan, and Gwangju-South Jeolla Province. The party is also considering adding three more regions, including Daegu, a conservative bastion, to the list.
The decision to include races won by the PPP, such as the pivotal contest in Seoul where Mayor Oh Se-hoon secured a fifth term, has sparked criticism within the party. However, Rep. Jang has dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing the importance of adhering to principles.
The party leadership is divided over the petitions, with the PPP leader viewing them as the start of a process potentially leading to a nationwide revote. In contrast, PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig has advocated for a more careful approach, emphasizing the need to first assess whether there were voting irregularities before calling for a revote.
Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections, which were marred by ballot shortages, have persisted for 13 consecutive days.