= Aim to hold the 7th nationwide simultaneous local elections and achieve local democracy that allows citizens to take control of their region =

The National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea hosted the 2018 General Meeting on January 17 attended by senior officials from Election Commissions around the country and announced the key policies that will be the focus of managing the upcoming 7th national simultaneous local elections.

The NEC slogan for the elections will be "Beautiful Elections, Happy Neighborhood” and has set three major goals to achieve true local democracy:

• Carry out voter-centered and high-standard election management

• Hold free, just and fair elections

• Strengthen communication with the public and ensure nationwide participation in the elections

In particular, for free, just and fair elections the NEC will provide preemptive guidance and undertake preventive activities to reduce illegal campaigning by political parties and candidates and encourage free participation by voters. In addition 43 regional investigation teams will be dispatched to strictly deal with election crimes, such as the publication of false information.