Ruling and opposition parties agree on National Assembly investigation into ballot shortages.. "Cannot move on with Noh Tae-ak's resignation"

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[Financial News] The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to push for a National Assembly investigation into the ballot shortage in parts of Seoul. Although Noh Tae-ak, chairperson of the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea (NEC), has resigned and taken responsibility, the National Assembly will step in to uncover the truth, prevent a recurrence, and pursue reform of the NEC.
Han Byung-do, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said on the 5th while speaking with reporters at the National Assembly that, regarding the ballot shortage, "Chairperson Noh has resigned, but we cannot simply let this pass, and we will push for a National Assembly investigation."
The People Power Party and other opposition forces, as well as Prime Minister of South Korea Kim Min-seok, had previously proposed a National Assembly investigation. It was reported that the floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties met privately that morning and agreed to move forward with the investigation. They also plan to pursue reform of the NEC. Han emphasized, "We will boldly push ahead with reform so that the NEC can earn the public's trust this time."
In particular, the ruling party plans to give greater weight to the National Assembly investigation and NEC reform, amid concerns that the ballot shortage could revive claims of election fraud. Han said, "Since election-fraud claims are spreading, we will clearly uncover the truth so that no suspicion itself can arise and the NEC can regain public trust," adding, "We will also investigate all NEC members who have resigned."
The People Power Party also wants to pursue a Special Prosecutor in addition to the National Assembly investigation. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok visited the Seoul Metropolitan City Election Commission and the NEC to protest and raised the need for a special prosecutor. The DPK, however, is skeptical. Han dismissed the idea, saying, "Since this involves a public institution rather than a private one, a National Assembly investigation should not face major difficulty in determining the facts."
uknow@fnnews.com Kim Yun-ho Song Ji-won Reporter