DPK Calls for Transfer of Olympic Park Ballot Boxes to NEC, Urges Public Cooperation

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has called for a peaceful resolution to the blockade of the ballot counting station at Olympic Park in Seoul, requesting cooperation from the public.

During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly this morning (June 18), Floor Leader Han Byung-do stated, "Floor Deputy Leader Cheon Jun-ho, Floor Communications Deputy Leader Jeon Yong-gi, and Representative Im Oh-kyung visited the site to resolve the issue, only to be met with verbal abuse, including being called 'commies.' I must ask if this is truly a normal situation."

Policy Committee Chair Han Jeoung-ae explained, "The Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium was temporarily designated as a ballot counting station. While the counting process takes place there, there is no legal basis to store ballot boxes or ballots at that facility after the counting is finished."

She continued, "After the counting is complete, they must be transferred and stored at a location designated by the district election commission, such as the Songpa-gu Election Commission office. The ballots currently stored at the gymnasium must be moved transparently under the observation of the National Election Commission (NEC), the court, the police, and representatives from political parties."

She further appealed, "It is reported that due to the blockade of the gymnasium, the national fencing team had to borrow equipment from others to compete in their tournament. I ask for the public's cooperation so that the time and efforts of these athletes do not go to waste."

Floor Deputy Leader Cheon, who visited the counting station in person, also criticized the situation, saying, "While I deeply empathize with the public's anger regarding the infringement of voting rights, obstructing others' work, blocking passage, and using physical force regardless of the issue are illegal acts that cannot be tolerated."

Kim Han-kyu, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Policy, stated, "Anger toward the NEC must not be expressed through illegal acts," and urged the police, saying, "Do not hesitate any longer; you must prevent illegal acts and protect the public from harm."

The DPK also continued its criticism of People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who has been calling for a re-election.

Floor Leader Han directly attacked him, saying, "Representative Jang is still obsessed with conspiracy theories about election fraud. Even within the People Power Party, he is being criticized for using this as a political ploy to escape a crisis."

Floor Deputy Leader Cheon added, "Representative Jang visited the protest site on the 16th and poured out inflammatory remarks. The People Power Party must immediately stop its behavior of trying to gain political profit by exacerbating the situation, and join forces to resolve the blockade at Olympic Park, regardless of party lines."

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