The Democratic Party held a discussion to investigate the "ballot shortage" that occurred during the June 3 local elections and to improve the systems of the National Election Commission (NEC). The meeting focused on proposals for reform, including reviewing ballot printing ratios and enhancing collaboration with government agencies. Notably, the party indicated that it would incorporate the suggestions raised during the discussion into the legislative process, given that the NEC has lost its self-regulatory capabilities.
The Democratic Party's Task Force for Institutional Reform to Protect Citizens' Voting Rights convened on the afternoon of June 17 at the National Assembly to discuss improvements to the election management system and the need for amendments to related laws, including the Public Election Act and the Election Commission Act.
In his opening remarks, Han Byeong-do addressed the recent ballot shortage, stating, "This is something that should not happen in 21st century South Korea. As the floor leader of the responsible ruling party, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility." He added, "We will ensure that the wisdom gathered today leads to legislation on the criteria for ballot printing distribution, the establishment of a crisis response system, and the treatment of field personnel."
Nam In-soon, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, and Song Gi-heon, the head of the task force, both emphasized the need for thorough investigations and strict accountability for those responsible. Song stated, "I will do my best to ensure that this leads to substantial legal amendments."
Professor Jeong Tae-ho from Kyung Hee University Law School, who served as a presenter, argued that the independent structure of the NEC should be maintained, asserting that legal amendments and organizational innovation could significantly restore public trust. He emphasized the need for a crisis management system tailored to the unique characteristics of the NEC, suggesting measures such as establishing an independent election management evaluation committee, expanding information disclosure obligations, institutionalizing regular reports to the National Assembly, and mandating the reporting of election incidents and prevention measures.
Professor Jang Seung-jin from Kookmin University called for strengthening the autonomy of overall election management and campaigning. He noted, "The NEC's excessive emphasis on neutrality and independence has led to a reduction in accountability," and suggested that liberalizing regulations on election campaigning would allow the NEC to focus more on election management, while also considering ways to enhance its capabilities.
Professor Lee Jun-han from Incheon University pointed out that the ballot shortage was caused by lowering the minimum printing ratio set by the NEC. He proposed reviewing the appropriate ballot printing ratio, utilizing early voting machines in emergencies, overhauling the crisis response system and manuals, strengthening crisis response teams on election day, and establishing collaborative frameworks with government agencies such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
Cho Young-ho, a member of the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, diagnosed that the current system for conducting elections through outsourcing has reached its limits, placing significant burdens and pressures on staff with low compensation. He called for solid legal foundations for outsourced elections and the establishment of a discussion body among the NEC, political parties, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Office for Government Policy Coordination, urging the formation of a comprehensive government body or council to address the situation.
Finally, Choi Byeong-seok, vice president of the Korean Bar Association, stressed the need for a complete overhaul of the Election Commission Act, highlighting the crucial role of the legislative body in this process. He stated, "This incident directly infringed upon citizens' voting rights due to the negligence of a national agency and inadequate legal restructuring. Without mandatory reforms through legislation, it is difficult to expect the NEC to self-regulate. I urge the legislative body to exert all efforts to normalize the NEC's organization and establish external control mechanisms."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.