PPP chief Jang Dong-hyuk calls for special probe, citing numerous problems found in visual inspection of ballots
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk said on the 30th, regarding the special prosecutor's public inspection of ballots at the handball stadium in Olympic Park, that "many problems have been revealed even from visual inspection alone," urging the special prosecutor to scientifically verify the ballots and uncover the truth. That morning, Jang visited the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, where he laid flowers, offered incense, and signed the guestbook. It was his first visit to the site in about a year, since November 25 of last year.
After visiting the birthplace, Jang told reporters, "I hope the special prosecutor will scientifically verify the ballots that were submitted for inspection." He drew a line at criticism that he was raising election fraud claims to maintain his grip on the party leadership, saying, "I believe that disparaging me as having political intentions and using me—when I am simply raising my voice alongside citizens who want to protect their precious votes—itself reflects political intent."
On why he visited Olympic Park in person the previous day, he emphasized his responsibility as an observer. Jang said, "We have a responsibility and duty to explain to the citizens at Olympic Park what happened during the verification process and where the ballots taken out of the stadium are being stored," adding, "Because no one else was willing to do it, I went to Olympic Park again yesterday to explain."
He added, "I have been running for over a year as party leader. The reason I have been able to continue serving amid the party's collapse following the impeachment and the early presidential election is thanks to the party members and supporters who believed in and cheered me on."
Meanwhile, his remarks are expected to fuel debates over the special prosecutor's scientific verification results and the government and ruling party's responsibility, and are seen as likely to have ripple effects on party unity.
