The National Election Commission has dived into a full-scale preparation for free and fair elections in the lead up to the 19^th National Assembly elections with 60 days away from now on: including launching the Election Surveillance Unit and installing the Election Situation Room.

In addition, the NEC informed election commissions of special instructions regarding the installation of polling stations for voter-centred voting management.

●    Launching Ceremony of the Election Surveillance Unit Held Nationwide

The NEC announced that it held launching ceremonies of the Election Surveillance Unit on February 10^th at Si/Do and Gu/Si/Gun election commissions nationwide with the attendance of 4,503 members of the Election Surveillance Unit and 500 enforcement staff and kicked off their activities.

The NEC said that it brought forward the starting date of the on-site surveillance activities by one month compared to the 18^th National Assembly elections. It also went on to say that it has a plan to strengthen the on-site surveillance and enforcement activities, as it will hire about 4,000 more workers at the end of March when candidates will begin their election campaigns.

●    Installation of the Election Situation Room for the Watertight Management of the Elections

The NEC installed the Election Situation Room on February 10 and began its 24-hour emergency standby system for the immaculate management, prevention of illegal activities and strengthening of enforcement activities.

The Election Situation Room will maintain the close network system with 16 Si/Do and 251 Gu/Si/Gun election commissions on various election information and situations; and swiftly respond to urgent matters including violations of election law.

●    Special Instructions Regarding the Installation of Polling Stations

The NEC informed election commissions of special instructions in order to expand election services for voters and prevent any suspicion regarding the installation of polling stations.

Main points of the special instructions are as follows:

l  Post public notices of voting districts by mid-February: unless there is any special reason, voting districts are the same as those in the last election

l  Select voting places after joint-research with local governments, organizations for the disabled and political parties: If joint-research is difficult due to local conditions, inform the result of research on the local condition for voting places of them by official document

l  Use the same voting places of the last election after check-up of local situation, unless there is any special reason: However, if needed because of civil complaints (religious facilities, lack of convenience for the handicapped, and long distance), look for a proper place for polling stations.

l  Confirm polling stations through decisions of Eup/Myeon/Dong Election Commissions by 2 days prior to the completion day of voters list; and report it to competent Gu/Si/Gun election commissions

l  Provide information on the confirmed places for polling stations for local media by March 22th; and post it on the website.

The NEC will fully reflect the demands from the organization for the disabled on the selection and installation process of voting places. It also has a plan to provide the “Find Your Polling Station” service (which will help voters find a polling station to vote) on Internet portal sites as well as the website of the NEC.