Prime Minister Kim: 'One-Point Constitutional Amendment for NEC Reform Could Be Pursued Through Public Consensus'

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated today (the 21st) regarding a "one-point constitutional amendment" for the reform of the National Election Commission (NEC) that "if possible, I would like to see this pursued through national public consensus, transcending both ruling and opposition parties."

During a public forum on NEC reform held at a university in Songpa-gu, Seoul, today, Prime Minister Kim said, "I have come to think that it is difficult to resolve this issue unless a fundamental alternative that the public can understand is established," and made the remarks as above.

He explained, "It is difficult to dismantle it, and it is also difficult to return to the NEC under the former Ministry of Home Affairs," adding, "I have been thinking deeply about the issue of a one-point constitutional amendment lately, as the only answer may be to move toward ensuring the NEC is subject to external checks and oversight while respecting its independence, even if it requires a constitutional amendment."

He further noted, "The President also mentioned this, and I have been frequently asking for opinions from constitutional scholars recently," adding, "I am listening to their suggestions on how to approach a one-point constitutional amendment regarding issues such as the composition and independence of the NEC."

He reiterated, "The issue of NEC reform must be fundamentally resolved. If a one-point constitutional amendment is necessary, it should be done," and emphasized, "It should not be approached in a partisan manner; I hope the ruling party, the opposition party, and the public will resolve it through discussion with a commitment to see it through to the end."

He added, "A comprehensive discussion or public deliberation on the overall election system is inevitable," and continued, "On this occasion, various technical issues such as early voting and voting hours are being raised. Even if we cannot solve everything, we must begin the discussion."

Regarding the ballot paper shortage incident that triggered the NEC issue, Prime Minister Kim assessed, "Democracy seems to be a long and arduous path," adding, "I thought our society's democracy had advanced a step further by properly resolving the December 3 martial law situation, but we have encountered a new, fundamental problem."

He continued, "The right to vote, which is the foundation of democracy, has sparked public outrage due to the NEC's poor management. On the other hand, in the process of overcoming this, two problems have occurred simultaneously, such as illegal acts and deviations that violate basic order and block the daily lives of citizens under the guise of democracy."

Regarding the issues raised by young people, he highly evaluated them, saying, "It reflects that our society demands a different level of fairness and trust."

He also suggested, "Could we not find a way for the government to support a public deliberation method led by young people and university students?"


(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.