President Lee Jae-myung Proposes 'One-Point Constitutional Amendment' for Election Commission

President Lee Jae-myung Proposes 'One-Point Constitutional Amendment' for Election Commission; People Power Party Counters with 'Priority for Special Prosecutor'

President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for a 'one-point constitutional amendment' aimed at reforming the National Election Commission (NEC) has ignited a heated debate in the political arena, stemming from a recent incident involving a shortage of ballots during the general election. President Lee stated on the 19th, "If there is agreement between the ruling and opposition parties, I believe we should pursue even a 'one-point' constitutional amendment," directly raising the necessity for fundamental reform of the NEC, a constitutionally independent body. This proposal comes amid growing controversy over the NEC's independence and fairness, and is expected to become a significant factor in future political dynamics.

Background and Key Issues in the NEC Reform Debate

The genesis of the current constitutional amendment discussions lies in the shortage of advance voting ballots in some regions during the 22nd National Assembly election held in April. This incident drew criticism for exposing the NEC's lack of preparation and operational flaws, amplifying doubts about the fairness and reliability of elections. In parallel, opposition parties, including the People Power Party, have increasingly called for a fundamental re-examination of the NEC's role and composition, alongside allegations of irregularities during the election process.

President Lee Jae-myung's proposed 'one-point constitutional amendment' is interpreted as an effort to meet these societal demands while simultaneously enhancing the NEC's independence and efficiency. Rather than presenting specific amendment details or methods, the proposal is seen as a message intended to build consensus on the necessity of constitutional reform and open a forum for discussion. The Presidential Office stated, "Sovereign acts to secure the right to legitimate participation in elections must be protected," while also adding, "We have ordered strict investigation and accountability for acts such as the dissemination of false information, the spread of fake news, illegal questioning and searches, and obstruction of business," signaling a firm resolve to ensure transparency in the election process and take decisive action against illegal activities.

People Power Party Prioritizes 'Special Prosecutor' Over 'NEC Amendment,' Posing Confrontation

Conversely, the main opposition party, the People Power Party, has expressed a negative stance on President Lee Jae-myung's 'one-point constitutional amendment' proposal, arguing instead that the priority should be given to "thorough fact-finding and a special prosecutor investigation without exception." The People Power Party worries that discussions on NEC reform could serve as a diversion tactic to avoid implementing core measures for resolving fundamental issues in the election process.

The People Power Party insists that transparent and rigorous investigations into the various allegations raised during the April general election are essential, and that the introduction of a special prosecutor is indispensable for this purpose. Notably, according to a recent Yonhap News report, as a court ruled the claims made by former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young regarding the alleged 'salmon drinking party' to be false, the ruling bloc's efforts to use this as grounds for a "manipulated indictment" appear to be faltering. Amidst these developments, the People Power Party appears to be strategizing to continue its political offensive by pursuing a special prosecutor investigation to clarify specific allegations, rather than engaging in broader discussions on NEC reform.

Future Outlook: Difficult Negotiations and Legislative Procedures

President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for a 'one-point constitutional amendment' and the People Power Party's demand for a 'priority special prosecutor' are expected to face considerable difficulties in future negotiations at the National Assembly. Given the clear divergence in their positions, significant time and political compromise will likely be required for progress to be made on the broader framework of NEC reform.

Should the President directly initiate a constitutional amendment bill, it would entail a complex process requiring the approval of more than two-thirds of the National Assembly members and subsequent approval through a national referendum. Even for a 'one-point amendment,' amending the Constitution, a matter of grave importance, cannot proceed without political consensus. Therefore, it is highly probable that fierce exchanges will continue for the time being regarding the introduction and scope of a special prosecutor and the method of NEC reform. It is a critical juncture where constructive discussions are urgently needed to prevent the spread of 'election fraud theories' that cause social chaos and to substantively guarantee the fairness and transparency of elections.