The opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy has decided to let its lawmaker Kang Dong-won quit as a member of the National Assembly's Steering Committee and as the party's deputy floor leader over his recent remarks about election fraud. But the largest opposition party rejected the ruling party's demand for ousting him altogether.
Given these NPAD's moves, it appears that even the opposition camp does not give credence to his argument during Tuesday's parliamentary interpellation session that the vote count for the 2012 presidential election was rigged. However, this incident should not be patched up like this.
A lawmaker has the right ― or obligation ― to raise suspicions about any issues. But he or she must have a considerable level of proper grounds for doing so ― all the more so if it is about grave issues such as vote rigging. Regrettably, Kang showed the height of his irresponsibility by making such a claim under the privilege of immunity based on loosely contrived trifling facts without precise verification and firm conviction.
The key part of his vote fraud allegation is that a broadcaster reported that Saenuri Party candidate Park Geun-hye was likely to win only two hours after the ballot-counting began on Election Day. Yet this claim is certainly not grounded, coming from ignorance about statistical principles that forecasting the outcome of an election is quite possible if the percentage of votes counted reaches 20 to 30 percent.
The National Election Commission, which Kang suspected of having manipulated the ballot count, refuted the legislator's claim point by point, detailing how the vote was counted. The election watchdog said 4,536 observers recommended by each party and candidate monitored the entire vote-counting process, which it boasted was conducted fairly and transparently. The NEC denied accusations that the election outcome was provided in advance, attributing it to the broadcaster's mistake.
One cannot but doubt his qualifications as a lawmaker, given that he raised suspicions even without confirming these basic facts on the very day President Park left for the United States for her summit with President Barrack Obama. It's dumbfounding to hear that Kang may have done so to stand out in the run-up to next April's parliamentary elections.
The main opposition party downplayed Kang's allegation, saying the lawmaker just voiced his opinion and the party had nothing to do with it. But the NPAD can't avoid blame for just watching its lawmaker allege election fraud at the parliament in defiance of its official position.
Kang has reportedly severed contact with the outside world, but it's certainly time for him to admit his fault and clearly apologize. The NPAD also needs to consider offering an apology.
Given these NPAD's moves, it appears that even the opposition camp does not give credence to his argument during Tuesday's parliamentary interpellation session that the vote count for the 2012 presidential election was rigged. However, this incident should not be patched up like this.
A lawmaker has the right ― or obligation ― to raise suspicions about any issues. But he or she must have a considerable level of proper grounds for doing so ― all the more so if it is about grave issues such as vote rigging. Regrettably, Kang showed the height of his irresponsibility by making such a claim under the privilege of immunity based on loosely contrived trifling facts without precise verification and firm conviction.
The key part of his vote fraud allegation is that a broadcaster reported that Saenuri Party candidate Park Geun-hye was likely to win only two hours after the ballot-counting began on Election Day. Yet this claim is certainly not grounded, coming from ignorance about statistical principles that forecasting the outcome of an election is quite possible if the percentage of votes counted reaches 20 to 30 percent.
The National Election Commission, which Kang suspected of having manipulated the ballot count, refuted the legislator's claim point by point, detailing how the vote was counted. The election watchdog said 4,536 observers recommended by each party and candidate monitored the entire vote-counting process, which it boasted was conducted fairly and transparently. The NEC denied accusations that the election outcome was provided in advance, attributing it to the broadcaster's mistake.
One cannot but doubt his qualifications as a lawmaker, given that he raised suspicions even without confirming these basic facts on the very day President Park left for the United States for her summit with President Barrack Obama. It's dumbfounding to hear that Kang may have done so to stand out in the run-up to next April's parliamentary elections.
The main opposition party downplayed Kang's allegation, saying the lawmaker just voiced his opinion and the party had nothing to do with it. But the NPAD can't avoid blame for just watching its lawmaker allege election fraud at the parliament in defiance of its official position.
Kang has reportedly severed contact with the outside world, but it's certainly time for him to admit his fault and clearly apologize. The NPAD also needs to consider offering an apology.
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