Provincial Election Heads Attend Meetings Once a Month, Even in Election Years

Chairpersons of provincial election commissions across South Korea attend an average of just 1.2 meetings per month, a figure that remains consistent even during years with major elections like presidential or general elections. This low frequency of attendance has raised concerns about the effectiveness of election management.

The data, released by Democratic Party lawmaker Chae Hyeon-il, shows that between 2022 and last year, the average annual attendance for the 17 provincial election commission chairpersons was 14.2 days. In 2022, a year that saw both presidential and local elections, the average was 14.9 days. In 2024, the year of the general election, it was 15 days, and last year, it was 15.6 days. This year, up to June 9, the average attendance over approximately five months was 11.4 days.

In contrast, the average annual attendance for the chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC) between 2022 and June 9, 2026, was 49.8 days, averaging 4.2 days per month. In 2022, the NEC chairperson attended 33 days, while last year, attendance was 69 days.

The primary reason cited for the low attendance of provincial commission chairpersons is their status as non-standing, concurrent appointees. Typically, these positions are held by chief judges of the respective regional high courts. This arrangement has led to discussions within the political sphere about reforming the election commission system to establish standing, responsible positions instead of concurrent ones.

These discussions have gained further momentum following a recent incident where a shortage of ballot papers occurred during the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. In response, the National Assembly approved a plan for a special investigation into the causes of the shortage and the subsequent handling of the situation. The special committee aims to investigate potential dereliction of duty by the election commission and propose comprehensive reforms to prevent recurrence.