An opposition lawmaker on Sunday demanded the resignation of President Park Geun-hye over alleged irregularities in last year’s presidential election.

The statement by Democratic Party Rep. Jang Ha-na added fuel to the ongoing dispute among political parties over government spy agents’ alleged interference in the election.

This is the first time an incumbent lawmaker has publicly defied the result of the Dec. 19 election.

“President Park may not have directly asked for aid in the election, but evidence shows that she was elected through the help of government organizations’ illegal practices,” Jang said.

She called for a by-election during next year’s local elections on June 4.

“What President Park could do for the people is to apologize to citizens and step down immediately.”

The DP promptly distanced itself from Jang’s comments.

“It is only Rep. Jang’s personal opinion. It is regrettable that the lawmaker publicly expressed her personal stance which differs from the party’s,” DP spokesman Park Yong-jin said.

The ruling Saenuri Party denounced the lawmaker and the party.

”Her statement is an insult to all voters and the president who was chosen by the people,” ruling Saenuri Party Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun said in a press conference.

A number of allegations have been made that the National Intelligence Service and the military illegally engaged in online campaigns to support President Park Geun-hye in last year’s election.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)