Jang Dong-hyeok: "Not Exploiting Ballot Shortage; President and Ruling Party Are Turning a Blind Eye"

Regarding the public verification of ballots at the Olympic Park Handball Stadium conducted by the special counsel investigating the National Election Commission, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said, "I hope the special counsel will thoroughly and scientifically verify the ballots submitted for inspection so that the truth can be revealed."

Meeting with reporters today (October 30) after visiting the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Jang stated, "A substantial number of problems were revealed just through what was verified with the naked eye."

In response to criticism from the Democratic Party of Korea that "irresponsible politics that treats citizens' voting rights as capital to prolong political life and stokes public distrust to maintain party leadership must end," Jang remarked, "We are not trying to exploit the ballot paper shortage, but rather the president, the government, and the ruling party are turning a blind eye to this situation," adding, "No one is taking responsibility, nor is anyone showing any effort to resolve it."

When asked about accusations that he is fanning allegations of election fraud to maintain party leadership, Jang also said, "I believe that disparaging me as acting with political motives to exploit the situation—when I am simply raising my voice alongside citizens who want to protect their precious votes—is itself politically motivated."

Addressing his visit to Olympic Park the previous day, he argued, "As an observer, I have a responsibility and duty to explain to citizens at Olympic Park what occurred during the verification process and where the ballots taken outside the arena are being stored," adding, "Because no one else was willing to do it, I went to Olympic Park yesterday as well to explain."

He continued, "The people standing guard at Olympic Park are not doing so because I told them to. I am merely going where they are to lend my small support," emphasizing, "No matter how many people remain to fight, even if only a single person is left fighting, I will stand with them and contribute my small strength."

He added, "More than a year has passed since I became party leader. Being able to carry on my duties as party leader to pull the party through its collapse following the impeachment and early presidential election is thanks to party members and supporters who placed their trust in me and cheered me on."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.