Lee from South Korea has urged for a complete reform of the election management system following a problematic vote
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that the nation’s election management system requires significant reform, describing a range of controversies surrounding the National Election Commission (NEC), including shortages of ballot papers, as “absurd.
Lee has initiated an investigation into the ballot shortages that affected the June 3 local elections, stating that both prosecutors and police would be involved. The incident sparked public outrage, leading to protests that challenged the fairness of the situation and resulted in the resignation of the NEC chief.
“We must act swiftly to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding investigation and undertake a complete legal revision to reform the current election management system, even to the point of dismantling it,” Lee stated during a press briefing.
If the ruling and opposition parties can find common ground, it may be worthwhile to consider even a single-point constitutional amendment regarding the NEC,” he stated.
The commission, an independent body as outlined in the constitution, had experienced a level of freedom that bordered on indulgence without adequate oversight, Lee stated, emphasizing that it should be held accountable in proportion to its neutrality.
Lee also emphasized the need for a firm reaction to any violence during the protests following the election while asserting that peaceful rallies should be safeguarded.
