Han Dong-hoon, independent lawmaker [Photo=Yonhap News]
Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon announced plans on June 8 to propose a bill that would convert the position of the Chair of the National Election Commission (NEC) into a full-time role.
In a post on his Facebook page, Han stated, "I will introduce a bill to change the NEC Chair from a part-time honorary position held by a Supreme Court Justice to a full-time, responsible role. We need to ensure that the organization and system are continuously monitored, and that accountability is directly taken before the public when issues arise, even during non-election periods."
He pointed out that there is often no one held accountable when illegal or inadequate situations occur within the NEC, attributing this to the unclear leadership structure at the top of the commission. He criticized the current system, where an independent constitutional body is managed by a leader in a part-time capacity.
Han noted, "The structure has solidified around a Secretary General, typically from within the NEC, who oversees operations without any internal checks on their authority. The fact that a judge holds the leadership position means the NEC has the 'backing' of the judiciary, making it difficult for anyone to challenge the commission."
Previously, Han had also indicated plans to propose legislation that would enable the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct audits of the NEC and to restrict the indiscriminate use of leave and vacation by NEC employees during election periods.
In a post on his Facebook page, Han stated, "I will introduce a bill to change the NEC Chair from a part-time honorary position held by a Supreme Court Justice to a full-time, responsible role. We need to ensure that the organization and system are continuously monitored, and that accountability is directly taken before the public when issues arise, even during non-election periods."
He pointed out that there is often no one held accountable when illegal or inadequate situations occur within the NEC, attributing this to the unclear leadership structure at the top of the commission. He criticized the current system, where an independent constitutional body is managed by a leader in a part-time capacity.
Han noted, "The structure has solidified around a Secretary General, typically from within the NEC, who oversees operations without any internal checks on their authority. The fact that a judge holds the leadership position means the NEC has the 'backing' of the judiciary, making it difficult for anyone to challenge the commission."
Previously, Han had also indicated plans to propose legislation that would enable the Board of Audit and Inspection to conduct audits of the NEC and to restrict the indiscriminate use of leave and vacation by NEC employees during election periods.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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