People Power Party Lawmakers Clash Over Ballot Shortage Issue

A verbal dispute has erupted within the People Power Party regarding the ballot paper shortage incident during the June 3 local elections. The argument began when Rep. Kim Eun-hye questioned Rep. Bae Hyun-jin's post in a lawmakers' group chat, asking, "What? Riot?" Following Rep. Kim's reaction, Floor Leader Song Eon-seok also inquired, "Was there a riot?" Rep. Kim Mi-ae raised objections to Rep. Bae's phrasing, citing the dictionary definition of 'riot' and relevant criminal law provisions. Rep. Bae Hyun-jin later clarified her remarks, stating, "It was to be careful not to create situations where police and citizens clash or where citizens incite disputes among themselves," adding, "My point was to be cautious to prevent riots from occurring."

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin pointed out that this incident could not serve as an excuse to cover up the leadership's crushing defeat in the local elections.

The People Power Party leadership criticized the National Election Commission for poor management of the ballot paper shortage incident. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk claimed the issue was "closer to intentional fraud than mismanagement" by the National Election Commission, while Floor Leader Song Eon-seok referred to the commission as the "epicenter of all incidents." In response, National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon have offered their resignations.