Chairperson Lee In-bok’s New Year’s Message

Fellow Citizens!

2016, a promising new year, has dawned.

I truly hope that this year will be full of love and blessings for all citizens

The Election Commission will be working hard this year as it did before to achieve free, fair and transparent election management, which is the foundation of democratic politics for citizens and for the election of wise leadership.   

Last year, elections for the heads of cooperatives, such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, were held simultaneously for the first time. Voter turnout rose thanks to increased interest in elections by citizens and improvement in voting convenience. Also by redressing some election rules, elections for the heads of cooperatives marked a big turning point in the election culture of other areas outside of elections for public office.

Externally, the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea (NEC) also supported the improvement in election laws and the spread of election management technologies in transitional democracies. In particular, the NEC has been providing support, such as its election management know-how and equipment, for the successful completion of Parliamentary elections in a Central Asian country. This has improved the international standing of the NEC.

Fellow citizens, all these success would not be possible without your unwavering faith and interest in the NEC, and with a humble attitude we will continue to work hard.

Esteemed citizens!

This year will see National Assembly elections.  These elections are meaningful because they mark the 20th National Assembly elections since the first was held on May 5, 1948. Since liberation in 1945, we are now approaching 70 years of electoral history, and we are showing the roots of democracy that respects procedures are firmly embedded in the Korean soil. 

As always, the National Election Commission will do it’s very best to ensure the National Assembly elections are clean and fair this year.

Firstly, we are working to ensure that citizens can participate in the elections conveniently from wherever they are through systems we developed such as Early Voting, Ship-Board Voting and Overseas Voting.  

For those with impaired mobility or those who have difficulties in participating in the elections, we will work hard to develop measures to ensure they can exercise their right to vote.

In additions, we will accomplish fair election management processes that are done according to the law and transparent voting and counting that will breed confidence in the elections. 

We will also work to together with stakeholders such as in academia and the media to create a policy-driven election atmosphere and, in order to make reasonable and viable political parties and candidates possible, induce healthy policy-based competition. 

Esteemed citizens!

Democracy is not a fixed state of perfection, but an ongoing process of development. Whether our democracy takes a step forward or a step back depends on your wisdom and uncompromising clean choice. 

In order to fulfill the true value of elections as the foundation of democracy, the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea will faithfully execute its work with a steadfast attitude of strict neutrality, fair management.

I ask for the continued interest and support of all citizens.

I wish you all the best for the New Year. 

Thank you.