Prime Minister Considers 'One-Point Constitutional Amendment' for Election Commission Reform

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated on March 21 that he is seriously considering a 'one-point constitutional amendment' to guarantee the independence of the National Election Commission (NEC) while subjecting it to external checks and balances. He made these remarks at a public forum on NEC reform held at Korea National Sport University in Seoul.

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Isn't the answer to go towards a direction where the independence of the election commission is respected through constitutional amendment, but it is subject to external checks and monitoring? I am deeply considering the issue of the so-called 'one-point constitutional amendment'.

Prime Minister Han noted that President Yoon Suk-yeol had also recently raised the issue. President Yoon had commented on March 19 that the NEC lacks control, oversight, and checks, even lacking formal appointment power for its chairperson, who is chosen internally. Yoon suggested that if political parties agree, a 'one-point constitutional amendment' might be necessary to allow for oversight of the NEC.

"I have been asking constitutional scholars for their opinions, and I am hearing various proposals for a one-point amendment regarding the NEC's composition and independence," Han said. He expressed a desire to pursue this reform through national consensus, transcending party lines. The Prime Minister also mentioned that discussions are underway with young people and academics about potential reforms.

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We have no control, oversight, or checks on the election commission, and we don't even have the formal power to appoint the chairperson. They choose among themselves on a rotating basis. If the ruling and opposition parties agree, shouldn't we pursue a 'one-point constitutional amendment' to monitor the election commission?

The forum included discussions on various aspects of election system reform, such as early voting and voting hours, alongside the NEC's structure. Prime Minister Han, who is expected to step down from his post soon, indicated that these discussions are crucial and that the government should explore ways to support public deliberation led by younger generations. He believes that comprehensive discussion and public engagement on the election system are inevitable.

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I am hearing various proposals for a one-point amendment regarding the NEC's composition and independence from constitutional scholars. If possible, I hope we can pursue this through national consensus, transcending party lines.