DPK Proposes Renaming Election Commission to "National Suffrage Committee" and Presents Constitutional Amendment Plan

Establishment of Independent Audit Committee Also Proposed

The Democratic Party of Korea has proposed a constitutional amendment direction that includes renaming the National Election Commission, which triggered the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections, to the "National Suffrage Committee" (tentative name) and establishing an independent audit committee.

On September 9, the Democratic Party's Election Commission Reform Task Force for the Protection of National Suffrage held a meeting to report the results of its activities and delivered its constitutional amendment proposals to the party’s Constitutional Amendment Promotion Group. Assemblyman Song Ki-heon, who heads the task force, stated, "We discussed constitutional-level issues that require examination, such as the functions, name, composition methods, and audit systems of the election commission, and have formulated a direction for constitutional amendments from the task force’s perspective."

Yonhap News

The task force suggested explicitly stipulating the establishment of an independent audit committee within the election commission in the Constitution and redefining the institution’s functions and roles not only in managing elections but also in terms of expanding the guarantee of citizens’ suffrage. The proposal also includes a process for the selection of the chairperson of the National Election Commission that would require nomination and selection of candidates, approval from the National Assembly, and appointment by the President.

This constitutional revision direction will continue to be pursued by the party’s Constitutional Amendment Promotion Group, which is led by Assemblyman Kim Tae-nyeon. Assemblyman Kim responded, "The reform of the election commission is also an important issue in this round of constitutional discussions," and added, "We will ensure that the achievements and remaining tasks of the Election Commission Reform Task Force are properly carried on by the Constitutional Amendment Promotion Group."

Assemblyman Kim also called for cooperation from the People Power Party, which has shown a negative attitude toward constitutional amendments. He said, "I do not believe the People Power Party is blocking constitutional reform itself," and added, "If the constitutional amendment is promoted during a period when political calculations can be minimized, I believe it will open the way for dialogue with the People Power Party and enable meaningful progress."

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