People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said Sunday that a reelection is unavoidable following a shortage of ballot papers [1].
The statement signals a potential legal and political crisis for the current electoral cycle. Because the ballot shortage prevented normal voting in some areas, the integrity of the final results has been called into question, creating a deadlock over the legitimacy of the winners [1].
Speaking during a broadcast on YTN News Wide in Seoul and at the Jamsil counting center, Jang said the situation had compromised the democratic process [1]. He said the lack of ballots meant some citizens were unable to cast their votes, which he said makes a reelection the only viable path to restore public trust [1].
"Reelection cannot be avoided," Jang said [1].
Opposition leaders have reacted to the call for a new vote. Kang Jun-hyun, the chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said Jang is using the situation to suggest the "end of the regime" [2].
The dispute centers on the operational failure to provide sufficient voting materials to all polling stations. While the People Power Party argues that the failure is an objective breach of electoral law, the Democratic Party suggests the call for a reelection is a political maneuver rather than a purely administrative necessity [1], [2].
Jang said the failure to ensure every voter had access to a ballot paper constitutes a fundamental flaw in the election's execution [1]. He said the party would seek a resolution that ensures the results are beyond reproach, even if it requires repeating the process in affected regions [1].
“"Reelection cannot be avoided,"”
The demand for a reelection by the People Power Party leader transforms a logistical failure into a constitutional crisis. If the courts or the National Election Commission determine that the ballot shortage significantly altered the outcome, South Korea may face a fragmented electoral timeline, potentially delaying government formation and increasing political volatility.
