First of all, I’d like to wish you all a happy new year 2011.

Ⅰ. A look back at 2010

Reflecting on the year 2010, it has been challenging but also rewarding.

We’ve managed the 5th Nationwide Local Elections well, in which eight elections took place simultaneously, the largest scale to date.

The active role that the NEC has played, as well as people’s increasing awareness of sovereign right to vote, has boosted voter turnout, while reducing electoral law violations.

Ⅱ. A look toward 2011

Although there will be no nationwide election in 2011, the NEC is likely to have a long list of things to do.

First of all, we have to manage the by-elections in April and October impeccably. And we will be in charge of managing elections that are closely connected to every day lives of the people, including the elections for the heads of Cooperatives, and the heads of apartment complex. Also, the overseas voting committee will be set up in October, beginning to process the procedures concerned with the overseas voting in earnest.

In addition, we will continue to be committed to putting in place an improved election environment by analysing and then resolving the problems found in the past elections.

Last but not least, we should keep making preparations for the 19^th National Assembly election and the 18^th presidential election in 2012.

Ⅲ. Election and democracy

As you might know, our responsibilities are crucial, as there is no way to retrospectively address or complement what went wrong in elections.

With an impending introduction of overseas voting, which will certainly mark a watershed moment in the history of Korea’s democracy, the NEC is bestowed upon greater responsibilities.

In the overseas voting, the procedural fairness takes a top priority. However, the NEC will also endeavour to help voters cast their ballot in the most convenient and easiest way possible.

When it comes to procedural democracy, Korea aims to make it flawless, which is manifested by elections. Our effort in this direction has contributed to advancing Korean democracy.

The NEC will play its part in strengthening the foundation of democracy by spreading the culture of discussion. Also, we will provide civic education while conducting research on electoral institutions and systems.

We will also pursue an improvement in the awareness of voting rights, and seek various ways to enhance the accessibility of voting by carrying out such measures as introducing combined voter rolls.

Ⅳ. Electoral law violations

Once a negative image about the politics is established, it is not only the politicians but also their citizen supporters who suffer.

Thus, we have to sternly respond to electoral law violations, the source of distrust of politics, with serious measures such as active promotion and provision of electoral law information. Also, the political community is required to come on board on this effort.

The prevention of and punishment on electoral law violations is a prerequisite for fair competition in elections. Candidates and political parties also have to be aware that the way to gain support from the people is to change themselves and be committed to observing laws.

However, it should be kept in mind that activities for that direction are to strengthen democracy by giving greater legitimacy to election results, and the punishment itself is not the goal.

Ⅴ. Concluding

The way to strengthen our democracy should be found in securing better understanding and consensus from the people rather than tougher enforcement.

The NEC will do its utmost to lay the foundation on which the Korean people are able to select the leaders whom they actually want.

Our effort will help bring about advanced democracy and political culture, which will in turn enrich people’s lives.

That all being said, the NEC can be likened to the birthplace of democracy.

With confidence and pride, the NEC will do its best to meet the expectation of the people in the years to come.

Once again, I wish you all and your family health and happiness in the New Year.   

Thank you.