Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon publicly criticized People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who is calling for a rerun election over the shortage of ballots that occurred during the 9th nationwide local elections held simultaneously (June 3 local elections).
On the 16th, Oh posted on his social media (SNS) an article titled "Party leadership must stop slogans to keep their seats and listen to the solemn voice of the people."
Oh said, "This ballot shortage incident is an unprecedented, grave violation of suffrage in the history of democracy," adding, "What the party must do now is a thorough fact-finding, punishment of those responsible, and fundamental reform of the electoral system."
He continued, "Even so, Jang is driving the party only toward a wasteful call for a rerun election," and said, "The public already clearly knows whether this is a fight to uncover the truth or a tactical slogan to protect a shaky political foothold."
Oh emphasized, "The pure aspirations of 20s and 30s youth who took to the streets to set democracy right must not be consumed as fuel for a particular politician's political survival."
He added, "It is deeply concerning that the golden time to restore public trust is being wasted because of an individual's political calculations," and said, "I hope the upcoming general meeting of lawmakers will be an opportunity to show the right direction for the People Power Party."
That day, Oh also released a video statement on the "rerun election petition." He said, "Anyone among the public watching would presume this is not a pure intention," and added, "It appears many assess it as a highly tactical exploitation mindful of wavering leadership within the party and a weak footing within the party."
The previous day, Jang convened an emergency supreme council meeting and decided to file an election petition for six regions among the areas where ballot shortages occurred during the June 3 local elections, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Ulsan, Busan, and South Jeolla-Gwangju.
After the meeting, Jang wrote on Facebook, "The goal is clear. A nationwide rerun election. The petition is only the beginning."