Chang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, has called for the abolition of the early voting system. In response, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform New Party, criticized by stating that “as of today, the People Power Party has effectively declared its unification with Hwang Kyo-ahn’s Freedom and Innovation party, which is essentially a party with a singular agenda of election fraud.”
At a press conference on the morning of the 9th at the National Assembly, Representative Chang advocated for a re-election due to the ballot paper shortage incident. He said, “The only fundamental solution to this deprivation of voting rights is a nationwide re-election,” adding that “the Election Commission should recognize its mistake, declare the election invalid, and then pursue a re-election, which is the most definite method.”
Chang also mentioned that the party plans to propose a special law for re-election and initiate procedures to preserve evidence, such as the central election committee’s server. He emphasized, “This is the right thing for a joint investigation team with compulsory investigative authority to do. If we just wait for a special investigation, evidence will disappear and become contaminated. The People Power Party will also promptly initiate procedures to preserve evidence.”
Chang also brought up the idea of abolishing early voting, stating, “Many citizens are skeptical about early voting. This deprivation of voting rights incident also stems, in part, from early voting.” He argued that “all votes where candidates received the same number of votes and voting rates happened during early voting. We should extend the main voting day and eliminate early voting altogether.”
Although Chang targeted the Democratic Party with his argument for abolishing early voting, it was Lee Jun-seok from the Reform New Party who countered him. Lee argued on Facebook that “early voting was introduced to replace the cumbersome absentee voting process,” and “for younger generations who cannot easily change their residence due to short-term work and studies, it serves as the last measure to ensure their vote.”
Lee criticized that “while condemning the incident where citizens could not cast their votes due to a lack of ballot papers, suggesting blocking the path for citizens to vote as a solution is absurd.” He further remarked, “If you believe early voting is a conduit for election fraud, just prove it in a public debate. Today, the People Power Party has effectively declared its unification with Hwang Kyo-ahn’s Freedom and Innovation party, which is a party with a singular agenda of election fraud.” He added, “Having declared your alliance with former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who sent the military to the election committee out of delusion, you have become a Yun Again party.”
Lee concluded by saying, “Chang Dong-hyuk, thirsty, has taken a sip of seawater, and now he has no choice but to keep drinking to quench his thirst.”