The NEC held a meeting of commissioners (on February 28) in which commissioner Kim Nung-hwan was selected as the 17^th Chairperson by a secret voting. Following the meeting, there was an inaugural ceremony with commissioners and staff attending.

In his inaugural speech, Chairperson Kim Nung-hwan stated that

▲The fair management of elections is a constitutional responsibility of the NEC, mandated by the Korean people. All NEC staff shall observe the laws, and faithfully serve and be responsible to the people.

▲In election management, it shouldn’t matter if someone belongs to the right or the left, conservative or progressive, ruling party or opposition party. What matters is to maintain neutrality and fairness.

▲All at the NEC shall be prepared to conduct the by-election of this April, and National Assembly and Presidential elections next year, as prescribed by the laws. And there shall be thorough preparation made for overseas voting, which will be held for the first time next year.

▲Lastly, the Chairperson called on all NEC staff to come together in accomplishing all these historic responsibilities and duties.

※     [Attached 1] Inaugural Speech by the Chairperson