President Lee: "NEC Issues Are Absurd, We May Need a One-Point Constitutional Amendment"

President Lee Jae-myung said today (June 19), "If necessary, and if there is a consensus between the ruling and opposition parties, perhaps we should even consider a 'one-point' constitutional amendment regarding the National Election Commission (NEC)."

During a briefing held at the Blue House this afternoon, President Lee remarked, "The issues surrounding the NEC are truly absurd."

"We have no authority to control, monitor, or check them," President Lee explained. "We do not even have the formal power to appoint the NEC chairperson."

He pointed out, "We had expected that the most impartial Supreme Court Justice would take the role and manage it as fairly as possible. However, the result has been an outrageous situation."

He further criticized the commission, saying, "Was it a lack of budget? That is not the case. We provided all the necessary budget. If they are to be a neutral institution defined by the Constitution, they should be held accountable if they are not subject to any control. It seems they have enjoyed a freedom bordering on indulgence."

In response, President Lee stated, "Shouldn't there be some level of external monitoring and checks? Is it right for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to effectively appoint the NEC chairperson?" He added, "Legal and institutional reforms are necessary."

He also hinted at the possibility of a constitutional amendment, noting, "Because the Constitution explicitly defines it as an independent institution, any legal system created for monitoring, control, or checks is highly likely to be ruled unconstitutional."

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