NEC Chairperson Lee In-Bok Retires

The National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea held a retirement ceremony attended by NEC staff for the outgoing Chairperson Lee In-Bok in the NEC conference hall on September 5, 2016.

During his retirement speech, former Chairperson Lee In-Bok said that he thanked and all staff for their hard work during his three and a half years as Chairperson that has resulted in the NEC growing into the engine of democratic development and a reliable pillar supporting of the country. 

He said the NEC has raised the status of the Republic of Korea, in particular by bringing great innovation to voter participation through the introduction of early voting, making voting more convenient in everyday elections and reducing social conflict through an online election system, and by spreading democracy worldwide through taking the lead in the creation of the Association of World Election Bodies. 

However he also added that it remains as regret that the delimitation of boundaries for the last National Assembly election was delayed which caused confusion, despite the fact the National Assembly Election Boundary Delimitation Commission was created under the NEC for the first time. Also, the political circle should not neglect criticism that party politics has been weakened, or that election laws have become a stumbling block due to too much regulations that restrict political reform. 

NEC Chairperson Lee In-Bok Retirement Speech

Esteemed NEC Commissioners and NEC staff. 

Today, I resign from my position as Chairperson of the NEC.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you have given me in fulfilling my duty over this not so short three and a half year period.

Commissioners and staff!

During this time our organization has led the development of democracy and has achieved so much. 

The early voting that has become a familiar name to citizens have brought great innovation to voter participation, and the successful management of nationwide simultaneous elections for heads of cooperatives have been a big turning point for the improvement of overall Korea’s election culture. 

Voting has been made more convenient in everyday elections and social conflict has been reduced through the introduction of an online voting system for the first time and this policy is steadily expanding in scope to the areas of policy-making and opinion collecting.

In addition, our organization took the lead in the creation of the Association of World Election Bodies which contributed to spreading democracy to its invited member countries and raising the status of our country. 

I have no doubt that with your continued attention and support the NEC will become a central organization in the development of democracy worldwide in the future. 

All of this was not an accident.

I share this legacy with the Commissioners, who have given me all of their faith and cooperation, and with you all, who have given me your devoted commitment. 

I once again would like to state my deepest respect and gratitude.

Commissioners and staff!

Despite all this, we should not be complacent, settling for what we have now or be filled with self-importance. Korean citizens expect and ask of you to lower the barriers preventing political participation and raise the quality of election services yet another level. 

In order to live up to these goals, our organization should make efforts to create an election system and political environment that puts the voters at the center, and therefore enhance public confidence in elections. 

Also, the freedom to undertake election campaigns should be enhanced. We should reflect the changed election environment and we need a system that meets the citizens increased expectations and fully realize the constitutional value that sovereignty rests with the people. 

Of course, politicians should make efforts to streamline regulations on electoral irregularities. Also, the political circle should not neglect criticism that party politics has been weakened, or that election laws have become a stumbling block due to too much regulations that restrict political reform. 

It remains as regret that the delimitation of boundaries for the last National Assembly election was delayed which caused confusion, despite the fact the National Assembly Election Boundary Delimitation Commission was created under the NEC for the first time. 

Politicians should put their heads together and deliberate to provide measures to practically guarantee the independence and autonomy of future Boundary Delimitation Commissions. 

I hope that the 20th National Assembly makes improvements in the direction of achieving a system that citizens want, leaving political interest behind. 

Esteemed Commissioners and staff!

I believe in your potential. 

If you walk silently into the future, looking far distant with the same effort and passion you have shown until now, no matter what difficulties you face, I am certain you will be more than able to overcome them. 

Having witnessed that the NEC has grown into the engine of democratic development and a reliable pillar supporting of the country, and I am very proud to have shared the ups and downs together with you.

Reliable friends, we can now go our separate ways with a light heart.

Although we will be apart physically, my faith in and love for the NEC will never change. 

During this time, you have worked exceptionally hard. 

I wish you, your family and the NEC eternal growth and glory. 

Thank you. 

September 5, 2016

Lee In-Bok

Chairperson of the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea