Ballot shortage probe requests reported to National Assembly plenary session

By Joo So-hyun, The Herald Business

Requests for a parliamentary investigation into the ballot shortage during a recent election, submitted separately by the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party, were reported to the National Assembly plenary session Thursday.

Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik, speaking after the investigation requests were submitted, said he hoped the probe would "accurately diagnose the problems in the current election administration system and establish an electoral system that the public can trust by developing comprehensive improvements."

Cho also urged floor leaders of each negotiating bloc to "actively consult with one another so that the truth can be uncovered and the infringement on citizens' right to vote can be remedied."

The speaker also called for prompt scheduling talks to allow the Assembly to process 87 bills referred to the plenary session.

The plenary session approved the establishment of a special committee on the climate crisis. The committee will deliberate on the government's climate-related measures, including greenhouse gas reduction and carbon neutrality. It will review and process the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Responding to Climate Crisis, as well as the Act on the Allocation and Trading of Greenhouse Gas Emission Permits.

The committee will comprise 20 members — 11 from the Democratic Party, seven from the People Power Party and two from non-negotiating blocs. Its mandate runs through Aug. 31.

Meanwhile, Rep. Kim Seong-beom, who won the by-election for the Seogwipo-eul constituency in Jeju, made his first appearance at the Assembly on Thursday. Kim had been unable to attend the June 5 plenary session due to the death of his father and took his oath of office separately Thursday.

"I am grateful to the people of Seogwipo for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to serve in the National Assembly, despite the short campaign period," Kim said. "I will be a lawmaker who asks questions and finds answers on the ground, from among the people."