The People Power Party, the Reform Party, and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon put their heads together to draw up plans to reform the National Election Commission. The conservative opposition is joining forces to resolve issues at the commission.
People Power Party lawmaker Lee Seong-gwon on the 23rd co-hosted at the National Assembly a forum titled "My lost vote, a democracy in turmoil — suffrage damage and electoral reform" with the conservative-leaning civil group Federation of All Citizens' Societies.
At the forum, many attended from Alternative and Future, a group of reformist People Power Party lawmakers to which Lee belongs, as well as lawmakers close to the pro-Han faction and the pro-Yoon faction. Reform Party floor leader Cheon Ha-ram and lawmaker Han Dong-hoon also attended in person to lend support.
Joo Ho-young, a six-term lawmaker and the most senior attendee, said, "Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has already submitted his first bill (the commission inspection bill), and we must overhaul the commission to make it a body that earns the public's trust." Five-term lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon also stressed, "We must keep in mind that power without oversight inevitably corrupts, and we must build a system that can oversee the commission."
Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon greeted People Power Party lawmakers one by one. Han said, "President Lee Jae-myung and the ruling camp are acting as if they, too, are victims and are calling for a 'one-point constitutional amendment,' but instead of riding the coattails of a constitutional push, President Lee is the person who should feel the greatest responsibility for this situation, reflect, and apologize."
Reform Party floor leader Cheon Ha-ram agreed on reforming the commission but drew a line at the by-election push advocated by leader Jang Dong-hyeok. Cheon said, "Even within the People Power Party base, I was surprised that we ourselves narrowed the scope and reduced momentum so that only those who believe in election fraud are the ones raising their voices on this issue," adding, "If we hold across-the-board by-elections, the suffrage of those who voted properly would instead be infringed."
Lee Seong-gwon, who organized the forum, also said, "Restoring stripped suffrage is important, but the call for 'sweeping by-elections,' which could again strip the suffrage of voters who exercised it properly, may not align with the Constitution."
Meanwhile, after the forum Han met with reporters and, on the question of rejoining his party, said, "This is not about my personal reinstatement. With major battles ahead such as the withdrawal of indictments, there is a larger task of setting the country right," adding, "There is clearly a golden time for that process."
On a potential presidential bid, Han answered, "For politics that make the country do well, I will do anything I can, anything the public wants."