Ruling Party Launches Election System Reform TF: "Will Review Not Only Election Laws but Also the Constitution"

First TF Meeting
“Considering Organizational Reforms, Including Transitioning the Central Election Commission Chairmanship to a Full-Time System”

The Democratic Party of Korea announced its intention to push for a comprehensive reform of the National Election Commission, following the controversy over the shortage of ballot papers in the June 3 local elections. The party stated that it would review the Public Official Election Act and the National Election Commission Act, and, if necessary, even the Constitution, in order to identify and address the required legislative tasks.

On June 10, Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the first meeting of the Election System Reform Task Force (TF), "The ballot paper shortage is not merely an administrative oversight, but a grave issue that undermines the very foundation of constitutional order by infringing on national sovereignty." He added, "The Democratic Party will concentrate all its efforts on designing an election management system that meets the public's expectations and aligns with the spirit of the times."

In the Election System Reform Task Force meeting, Won Baeongdo, the floor leader, speaks about reforms related to the National Election Commission. Photo by Yonhap News

Han further emphasized, "In particular, we will clearly define the procedures for printing, distributing, and storing ballot papers in the Public Official Election Act, and we will enhance procedural transparency in the vote counting and winner confirmation processes to eliminate any public doubts. We will also actively consider revising the National Election Commission Act to reform the organization of the National Election Commission, including transitioning to a full-time chairperson system."

He continued, "This election system reform must not be limited to minor adjustments to laws and institutions. It should serve as an opportunity to more fully guarantee the people's right to participate in politics and to further strengthen trust in democracy."

Representative Song Kiheon, who leads the TF, said, "We will thoroughly examine whether the size of the electorate at each polling station, the early voting rate, regional voting trends, and anticipated demand were sufficiently considered. We intend to conduct a comprehensive review of all relevant laws, including the Constitution, and prioritize the protection of the people's right to participate in politics when identifying legislative tasks."

Kim Youngbae, deputy head of the TF, remarked, "Considering this recent incident, I believe the constitutional system established in 1987, which brought about the current Election Commission, has reached the end of its lifespan. At that time, there were concerns about the administration, as well as all local government offices at every level, being involved in elections, which is why an independent election management system was adopted. Now that Korea has become significantly more advanced, it is time to redesign the entire election management system, including the possibility of constitutional amendments."

Regarding the call for a rerun of the election by Jang Donghyuk, a leader of the People Power Party, Kim stated, "He should stop engaging in irresponsible political strife for his own political survival and instead actively participate in institutional reform and constitutional amendments that can build trust in our democratic republic together with the people."

The TF is scheduled to hold a meeting on June 16 to receive a report from the National Election Commission. On June 17, it will host a public forum with experts to discuss improvements to the election management system.

The Election System Reform TF is organized as a subcommittee under the Special Committee for Election Management System Improvement. The TF is led by Representative Song Kiheon, with Park Sanghyuk and Kim Youngbae serving as deputy heads, and Lee Haesik acting as secretary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.