Jang Je-won Criticizes Election Commission's "Overreach" on 'Impossible' 국민투표 for 검수완박

"The Election Commission is a Collegial Body" Emphasized
Yoon Has Not Yet Reported the Referendum to the Public

Jang Je-won, Chief of Staff to the President-elect, is answering questions from reporters on the 26th in front of the transition office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] On the 28th, the team of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol sharply criticized the Central Election Commission's stance that a national referendum on 'Geomsu Wanbak' (complete removal of prosecutorial investigation rights) is impossible, calling it an 'overreach.'

Jang Je-won, Chief of Staff to the President-elect, met with reporters in front of the Presidential Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and said, "The Election Commission is a collegial body," adding, "The agenda has not been formally submitted to the Central Election Commission for a conclusion, so for the Secretariat staff to speak like that?isn't that an overreach?"

The day before, Jang had stated that he would propose to President-elect Yoon to hold a national referendum during the June 1 local elections to hear the public's opinion on the Geomsu Wanbak bill. In response, the Central Election Commission cited 'current regulations' and stated that a national referendum is impossible because a voter list has not been prepared.

Jang openly expressed his displeasure toward the Central Election Commission. He said, "Was the (national referendum) agenda submitted and agreed upon? Can someone at the Election Commission speak unilaterally? I think that is an overreach," repeating the word 'overreach.'

When asked whether he had reported the Geomsu Wanbak national referendum to President-elect Yoon, he replied, "Not yet." Jang emphasized, "The most important thing is for the National Assembly to legally supplement the law as soon as possible," adding, "Ultimately, it's a matter of the voter list, and if that issue is resolved, legislation shouldn't be that difficult."

He continued, "If the Democratic Party of Korea does not pass it, it can only be said that they are afraid of the national referendum," and said, "In any case, I believe President Moon Jae-in will exercise his veto power against this unconstitutional act and the members of the National Assembly and public officials who pushed through the non-investigation privileges."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.