Every 10^th of May will be named as “National Voters’ Day” and a whole week from the National Voters’ Day will be designated as “Voters’ Week”. The amendment of the Public Official Election Act regarding “National Voters’ Day” has been proclaimed, so it will take effect from this year.

The NEC said that it aims at contributing to development of democratic politics by sharing the importance of election and participation in voting which is the most essential part of popular sovereignty in the representative democracy; and raising awareness on voters’ rights and responsibilities.

May 10 has been selected as “National Voters’ Day”, because it was 10^th of May in 1948 when the first National Assembly Elections were held in Korea with the democratic electoral system (universal, equal, direct suffrage and secret ballot) introduced.

The National Assembly Elections in 1948 (10^th of May) were the starting point of democratic politics in Korea, as they led to the composition of the first constitutional assembly where the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and the government were established.

Countries around the world including Sweden, India, the U.K., Central and Eastern European nations are holding events to commemorate the meaning of voters’ participation in politics and elections, as they designate a specific day or period.

Election commissions announced that, with this as a momentum, it will do its best to build a voter-friendly environment, as it will make legal and systematic efforts in order to increase convenience for voters.

Add to that, election commissions will make various efforts to make “National Voters’ Day” serve as a foundation for developing democratic politics in Korea and a great opportunity for raising awareness, as encouraging voters as well as politicians, journalists, scholars, civic and social activists to voluntarily participate in this event.

The NEC asked people from all walks of life to take a lot of interests and actively part in “National Voters’ Day”.