= Around 70 days ahead of re and by-elections, begins operation of investigation teams in the Seoul and Busan metropolitan area and will strictly respond to major election crimes = = After the re and by-elections preparation focus will quickly transition to the two major elections in 2022 management will be prepared thoroughly =
The National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea held a policy meeting attended by the secretary generals of the 17 Si/Do election commissions on January 20 where they discussed the fair and accurate management of the re and by-elections to be held on April 7, around 70 days away, and the key measures for the accurate preparation of the two major elections to be held in 2022.
For the accurate and fair management of these re and by-elections in which 12 million voters nationwide will take part during the continued spread of COVID-19, the following policies will be in place:
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A more systematic and reinforced disinfection process than the one used during the 21st National Assembly elections will be prepared to create an environment where citizens can cast their ballot with confidence. Also, in consultation with the health authorities, a plan will be devised to ensure the right of voters who may have difficulties in participating in these elections such as those in self-quarantine.
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In particular, as election campaigning by spoken word are now allowed at all times due to a revision of the Public Official Election Act at the end of last year, citizens’ freedom of political expression was expanded and the free participation of voters and candidates has been guaranteed as much as possible. However, significant election crimes such as bribery, illegal donations, slander and the publishing of false information will be handled strictly by actively utilizing scientific investigation techniques such as digital forensics.
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In Seoul and Busan, the NEC plans to strengthen the crackdown by additionally deploying wide-area investigation teams and encourage reporting through a reward system that provides rewards of up to 500 million Korean won and plans to provide information on the maximum penalties of 50 times the value of the goods to block the psychological elements of expecting goods or money.
In addition, in 2022 the 20th presidential election on March 9 and the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections on June 1 will be held in succession, and therefore in order to prepare thoroughly for both elections the following policies will be in place:
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As soon as the re and by-elections are complete, the NEC will quickly switch to the two major elections preparation system and establish the basis for optimal election management early.
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In preparation for the two major elections, the NEC will improve and expand voting convenience for the socially disadvantaged including the disabled, the elderly and pregnant women, whilst also securing a stable provision of human and material resources and improving the quality of equipment and goods.
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In particular, as the administration schedule will begin in earnest, including the registration of preliminary candidates for the 20th presidential election starting on July 12 and the establishment of overseas election commission planned for September 10, cooperation with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be been strengthened. The NEC plans to establish a basis for the stable management of overseas voting, including devising measures to guarantee the right to vote of overseas Koreans.
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In addition, by devising measures to improve the issues that occurred in the last election, and by reinforcing the expertise and transparency of procedural affairs through accurate election management faithful to the basics and principles of elections, the NEC will improve trust in elections. The NEC also plans to respond firmly to acts that damage the election such as spreading false information about the election process.
Kim Sehwan, Secretary General of the NEC, said “It is very regrettable that social conflict and division have been promoted by the spread of false information and unfounded speculation of unfair elections despite the fact 450,000 people, including observers and members of the public, participated in voting and counting during the National Assembly elections.” He added “To ensure the results of the re and by-elections and the two major elections in 2022 can be accepted by all citizens, we shall manage them fairly and accurately in accordance with laws and principles, and disclose the process of voting and counting more transparently.”
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