President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for fundamental reform of the National Election Commission (NEC) in light of the recent shortage of voting papers during the June 3 local elections. He even mentioned the possibility of a one-point constitutional amendment.
During a briefing at the Blue House on June 19, President Lee stated, "It is clear that fundamental reform is necessary. If needed, we might consider a one-point constitutional amendment regarding the NEC if there is consensus between the ruling and opposition parties."
According to Yonhap News, President Lee pointed out that the current structure of the NEC makes external oversight and checks virtually impossible.
He remarked, "We have no authority for control, oversight, or checks. We do not even have formal appointment authority over the NEC chairperson." He criticized the situation, saying, "We expected the most impartial Supreme Court justices to manage it fairly, but ultimately, absurdities have occurred."
President Lee specifically noted that the NEC's independence has led to a lack of accountability. He stated, "It is not that there was no budget. The budget was fully allocated. As a neutral institution defined by the Constitution, if it is not subject to any oversight, it must bear the corresponding responsibility, but it seems to have enjoyed a degree of freedom close to irresponsibility."
He added, "There should be some level of external oversight and checks. We need to examine whether the current structure, where the chairperson is effectively appointed by the Chief Justice, is appropriate."
President Lee also expressed that mere legal amendments might not suffice. He explained, "The Constitution clearly defines it as an independent institution, so if we create a legal system for oversight and control, there is a high possibility of a ruling of unconstitutionality," highlighting the need for constitutional reform.
He continued, "If necessary, I can propose it myself, but I will determine the government's position while observing the discussions in the political arena."
Meanwhile, President Lee positively assessed the youth protests that followed this incident. He said, "I was surprised to see young people reacting sensitively to issues of suffrage and striving to protect it through action. I am very grateful for that."
However, he also stated a firm stance against certain illegal activities that occurred during the protests. He remarked, "We should not condemn the protests aimed at securing suffrage; rather, we should protect them. However, actions such as spreading false information to create social chaos or searching the belongings of passersby are unacceptable."
Specifically mentioning the blocking of entrants and searching of belongings, he criticized, "Such actions are typically what thugs do. Preventing others from performing important tasks simply because there are many people is a serious crime of obstruction of business through intimidation."
President Lee concluded, "We must not allow such actions to go unchecked. I have instructed that thorough investigations be conducted and accountability be enforced. We will respond strictly to those actions that need to be addressed and ensure that what needs protection is firmly safeguarded."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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