South Korea's interim parliament stalls over committee chair appointments and election commission probe

On July 6 the South Korean interim National Assembly opened but quickly fell into a deadlock over the allocation of eleven standing‑committee chairmanships. The ruling Democratic Party named chairs, including for the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, while the opposition People Power Party (PPP) refused to attend, calling the move unilateral and continuing a boycott.

The dispute also extends to the creation of a special prosecutor to investigate the Central Election Commission over alleged ballot‑paper shortages, reduced printing volumes, and alleged collusion during the recent election. The two parties disagree on the nomination process: the PPP demands a third‑party or opposition‑only nomination, whereas the Democratic Party argues the probe must be independent of partisan influence. Prominent figures quoted include Democratic leader Han Byung‑do, PPP spokesperson Kim Taek‑kyu and PPP chairman Jang Dong‑hyuk. Law proposals on renewable‑energy expansion and youth welfare remain pending amid the stalemate.

The impasse threatens to delay legislative work and intensifies political tension ahead of upcoming policy debates.