The ruling and opposition parties agreed to pass a special prosecutor bill on the National Election Commission in connection with the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections.
On the morning of the 30th, floor leader Han Byeong-do of the Democratic Party of Korea and senior deputy floor leader for operations Cheon Jun-ho, and floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik of the People Power Party and senior deputy floor leader for operations Kim Seung-su said at the National Assembly right after their meeting that "the two parties have reached an agreement on the special prosecutor bill."
They decided to name the special prosecutor bill "Act on the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the truth behind alleged infringements of citizens' suffrage, including the ballot shortage during the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections."
A final agreement was also reached on the special prosecutor's investigative subjects and scope, which had been the key sticking points. Senior deputy floor leader Cheon said, "Talks have proceeded on the key issues, investigative subjects, and scope regarding the special prosecutor's composition," adding, "The finalized details will be delivered in the form of an agreement to the clerks of The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee from both parties."
He added, "The clerks of The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee from both parties will carry out the drafting," and said, "With agreement reached except for detailed issues, it appears it will be completed quickly." Once the drafting is finished, the ruling and opposition parties plan to process the bill after deliberation by The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee at the plenary session scheduled for 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, the ruling and opposition parties also agreed to extend the term of the special committee on a parliamentary inquiry into the National Election Commission, which is set to end on Aug. 1. The special committee will hold a full meeting in the afternoon to pass a plan to extend its activity period by 30 days. During the extended period, the special committee plans to discuss matters such as a recount at the Olympic Park ballot-counting center, which failed to reach agreement due to differences between the two parties.