My fellow citizens,

The New Year 2012, the Year of the Dragon, has dawned.

I hope the spirit and energy of the dragon will flow all around the country throughout the year and the nation’s fortunes will further prosper in the global arena. I also wish you all good health and great happiness and success in all your endeavours.

The Constitution says, “The sovereignty of the Republic of Korea shall reside in the people, and all state authority shall emanate from the people”; basic rights of the people shall include the suffrage and right to hold a public office based on the principle of representative democracy; and the President and National Assembly members shall be elected by universal, equal, direct and secret ballot by the people.

Therefore, the election is the starting point of the democratic politics. Only free and fair elections would lead to sound democratic politics.

This year, the National Assembly elections and the Presidential election will be held on April 11 and December 19 respectively, and overseas voters will participate in the elections for the first time in constitutional history.

When it comes to election management, it does not matter if someone belongs to the right or the left, conservative or progressive, ruling party or opposition party-or stand as an independent. Election Commissions will bear in mind what matters is to maintain impartiality and fairness. We will make an utmost effort to reflect public opinions on election results.

In addition, election commissions will do their best to help Koreans exercise their rights in a right way: including providing accurate election information under the Public Official Election Act; encouraging candidates to compete with their policies; and finding ways to promote convenience of voters.

Fellow Koreans,

Fair elections will be realized, when keen interests and participation of Koreans and efforts of the people who work for elections are harmonized: political parties and candidates should compete in good faith with their policies; various interest groups and social organizations should abide by the Public Official Election Act; press and media should make an objective report as taking a neutral attitude; government agencies and public officials should maintain politically neutral and obey the principle that bans campaigning.

Fellow Koreans should make a wise choice with policies of parties and candidates and punish violations and illegalities with votes.

I strongly believe that all these efforts will lead to successful elections this year and serve as a great opportunity to take Korea to the next level, as public opinions will be properly reflected on election results.

Once again, I hope that every one of you will have good health and great happiness in 2012.

Thank you.