Opposition party seeks to impeach home affairs minister

SEOUL, April 28 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition party said Friday that it will take steps to impeach the minister in charge of home affairs over a toast he made regarding elections.

Minister of Security and Public Administration Chong Jong-sup is under fire over a toast he led during a meeting with lawmakers of the ruling Saenuri Party earlier this week.

Chong allegedly asked the participants to chant "victory at any cost" after he chanted "general elections."

South Koreans are set to go to polls next April to elect lawmakers.

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy claimed Chong's comments violate the election laws that call for, among other things, the neutrality of public officials.

"There is a clear illegality of Chong's comments," said Lee Choon-suk, floor leader of the opposition party, though he did not give a specific time frame on when to initiate the impeachment.

Chong was not immediately reached for comment.

The parliament can initiate an impeachment motion against a Cabinet minister if one-third of the lawmakers endorse it. The impeachment proceedings would be referred to the Constitutional Court for a final ruling if half of the 297-strong National Assembly votes in favor.

The opposition party has 128 seats while the ruling party commands a parliamentary majority with 159 seats.

entropy@yna.co.kr
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