Democratic Party dismisses PPP's demand to halt vote count, call new election

Cho Seung-rae, head of the Democratic Party of Korea's central election campaign headquarters, said Wednesday that while the party holds the National Election Commission's mishandling of ballots in "strong regret," the People Power Party's calls to suspend the count and hold a new vote are "not worth a moment's consideration."

Speaking at a briefing at the National Assembly that afternoon, Cho added that the commission must "manage the ongoing count thoroughly so that it proceeds without disruption."

He said the commission's failures cannot be brushed aside with an apology. "This is not something that can be resolved with a simple apology — those responsible for the poor election management will be held accountable," he said. "An apology from the commission's secretary-general alone will be difficult for the public to accept."

Cho said the commission must answer for why ballot management was so deficient. "Regardless of the vote count results, this is a matter that must be examined, verified and held to account," he said.

On the demand to halt the count, Cho said the process had already run its course. "Many Seoul residents cast their ballots regardless of that issue. Voting closed, the ballots were sealed and transferred to counting stations, and counting has been underway — and continues now," he said. "That is precisely why I want to make clear there is no reason to stop."