President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that fundamental reform of the National Election Commission is needed, possibly through a constitutional amendment, following ballot shortages that disrupted the June 3 local elections.
President Lee Jae Myung made the remarks during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae. "The NEC issue is really absurd," he said, noting the lack of oversight because the body is independent under the Constitution. "If necessary, and if the rival parties are of the same opinion, shouldn't there be at least a one-point constitutional amendment regarding the National Election Commission?"
Lee specifically called for changing how the head of the watchdog is chosen from among three members recommended by the Supreme Court chief justice. "If necessary, the president can introduce (a constitutional amendment)," he said. "The government will decide its position after watching discussions within political circles."
In a meeting with top aides later that day, Lee criticized negligence and moral hazard at the NEC. He called for expedited legal revisions to reform the election system "to a level tantamount to dismantling it" along with a thorough investigation. He also urged stern responses to violence during protests in Jamsil over the ballot shortages.
When asked about a Cabinet reshuffle, Lee said it would come at an appropriate time now that the administration has passed its one-year mark. He recently nominated Han Seong-sook, minister of small and medium-sized enterprises, to replace Prime Minister Kim Min-seok.
