The National Election Commission (NEC) convened a meeting on January 16 with Director Generals from 17 Si/Do Election Commissions to discuss election management strategies for 2025. The agenda included plans for the 1st Nationwide Simultaneous Elections for Heads of Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (hereinafter referred to as KFCC Elections) scheduled for March 5 and the Re and By-Elections set for April 2.

The main points discussed during the meeting are as follows:

1. Fair and Accurate Management of the 1st KFCC Elections

Previously, most KFCC elections were conducted via an indirect voting system (election by delegates). However, following the 2021 amendment to the Saemaul Geumgo Act, direct elections by members were introduced for most cooperatives, with an obligation to entrust the election process to the NEC, except for some smaller cooperatives.

In response, the NEC plans to implement optimized management measures tailored to various election methods, such as direct voting by members, delegate elections, and general assembly selections. The NEC will ensure fair and accurate election management by adhering to the Entrusted Election Act, election manuals, and guidelines.

By managing the KFCC Elections transparently and fairly, the NEC aims to prevent disputes and conflicts over election outcomes, strengthen public trust in KFCC, and address concerns raised about the NEC’s credibility in managing local elections.

2 Stable Management of the Re and By-Elections on April 2

Given the short interval between the KFCC Elections and the Re and By-Elections, the NEC is preparing thoroughly to ensure smooth management. Plans include timely allocation of resources such as personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials for voting and counting.

To support lawful campaign activities by political parties and candidates while encouraging voter participation, the NEC will actively provide guidance on permissible actions. However, for serious election crimes or regionally entrenched illegal practices, the NEC will deploy all enforcement resources, including collaboration between Gu/Si/Gun commissions and regional investigation teams, to take strict measures.

While upholding freedom of expression, the NEC will take a firm stance against the dissemination of fake news, false statements, and defamatory content that could mislead voters. A dedicated team will be established to address false information, enabling swift removal of such content and taking strong actions against its creators and distributors.

3. Aligning Legal Operations with Public Expectations

The NEC will continuously review and revise outdated precedents, unnecessary regulations, and legal standards to ensure that political laws align with societal changes and public sentiment.

In response to the growing demand for reliable and objective election polls, the NEC will focus on improving the quality of election polling to accurately reflect public opinion. Serious violations, such as poll manipulation or distortion, will be strictly addressed.

4. Fulfilling Constitutional Responsibilities with Transparent and Fair Election Management

Kim Yong-bin, Secretary-General of the NEC, emphasized that even minor mistakes during election management could escalate into allegations of election fraud or fuel the spread of fake news. He stressed the importance of managing the Re and By-Elections in the first half of the year with utmost fairness, putting an end to election fraud controversies.

He further stated that meticulous preparation for the 9th Local Elections next year is essential to enhance the transparency and credibility of election processes. Kim urged NEC staff to remain vigilant amid the current uncertain political climate and to diligently fulfill their constitutional responsibilities without compromise, ensuring accurate and transparent election management based on laws and principles.