President Lee: "National Election Commission Needs Oversight and Checks... Will Propose 'One-Point' Constitutional Amendment if Necessary"

Ballot Paper Shortage "An Unthinkable Situation"

On Jamsil Protests: "Need to Distinguish Between Protecting Voting Rights and Criminal Acts"

On June 19, President Lee Jae-myung stated that, in light of the ballot paper shortage during the recent local elections, there is a need to strengthen external monitoring and oversight mechanisms for the National Election Commission. He also expressed a willingness to consider a "one-point constitutional amendment" if necessary. Regarding the ongoing protests in front of the polling station and the growing allegations of election fraud, as well as the controversy over disruptions to the operations of sports organizations, he remarked, "We must clearly distinguish between the legitimate exercise of sovereign rights to ensure suffrage and criminal acts aimed at disrupting public order."

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions during a briefing on attending the G7 and the results of the European tour held at the Cheongwadae Press Briefing Room on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee made these remarks during a Q&A session at a briefing on the outcomes of his European and G7 tour, held at the Cheongwadae Press Briefing Room on June 19. He was responding to a question noting that protests have continued for more than two weeks in front of the Jamsil 7-dong polling station, with persistent claims of election fraud and a prolonged administrative paralysis within sports organizations.

President Lee first addressed the concerns raised by the younger generation regarding the ballot paper shortage, stating, "Our youth and young people are very sensitive to the issue of suffrage and the deprivation of voting opportunities, and they are making efforts to protect these rights through action." He added, "It also makes me think that perhaps they are better than the older generation in this regard."

He then strongly criticized the National Election Commission's failure in management. President Lee said, "Frankly, the issues with the Election Commission are simply absurd," and continued, "From my perspective, I do believe there are problems with the Commission, but the government does not have the authority to control, monitor, or oversee it, even under ordinary circumstances."

He went on to discuss the structure of the Election Commission, explaining, "The President appoints three members, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court appoints three, and the National Assembly appoints three; these nine members rotate as chairperson. For decades, however, it has been customary for the commissioner nominated by the Chief Justice to serve as chairperson. I had hoped that the fairest Supreme Court justice would take on the role and fulfill it most impartially, but the result has been this unbelievable situation."

President Lee also mentioned past allegations of hiring irregularities, controversies over overseas business trips, and issues with appointment procedures within the Commission. He emphasized, "It is unimaginable that there would be a shortage of ballot papers. When we elect a class president, we make as many ballots as there are voters. It wasn't a matter of budget; this is simply inexcusable." He continued, "If the nation's most fundamental democratic order, the voting and election systems, are managed by a constitutionally neutral body that is subject to no oversight, then that body must bear that much responsibility." He added, "Instead of taking responsibility, it seems they indulged in unchecked freedom."

He directly addressed the need for institutional reform as well. President Lee said, "We need to amend the relevant legal systems as much as possible, and there must be some degree of external monitoring and oversight." He continued, "If the chairperson is in effect appointed by the Chief Justice as it is now, that cannot be allowed to continue. There is a need to revise the legal framework to enable strict monitoring, oversight, and control."

Regarding the fact that the Election Commission is a constitutionally independent body, President Lee acknowledged that amending ordinary laws alone may be insufficient. He said, "Because the Constitution so clearly establishes the Commission as an independent institution, there is a high possibility that any laws creating monitoring, control, or oversight mechanisms would be ruled unconstitutional." He added, "If necessary, and if there is agreement between the ruling and opposition parties, we should even consider a one-point constitutional amendment regarding the Election Commission."

He further noted, "If necessary, I would even be willing to propose such an amendment as President." However, he added, "It is difficult to ascertain whether there is a genuine will to solve this problem or if it is merely political posturing," and stressed, "I urge serious discussion in the political arena, and the government will determine its stance after observing the discussions in the National Assembly."

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions at a briefing on his attendance at the G7 and European tour held at the Blue House Chunuchugwan on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the protests in front of the Jamsil 7-dong polling station, President Lee emphasized the need to distinguish between raising issues of suffrage and illegal acts. He said, "The protests themselves, aimed at securing suffrage, should not be criticized or suppressed; rather, they should be protected." However, he added, "It is unacceptable to use this space to spread completely false information, generate fake news to incite social disorder, or to stop and search passersby without any authority."

President Lee further emphasized, "We must clearly distinguish between legitimate exercises of sovereign rights to secure suffrage and criminal acts aimed at disrupting public order. Only then can genuine movements to protect suffrage truly shine. We will strictly respond to what must be addressed and ensure firm protection where it is necessary."

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