[Exclusive] National Election Commission Conducts Research Service Including Survey on Parliamentary Recall System... Democratic Party Pledge

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The National Election Commission (NEC) is analyzing the necessity of introducing a recall system for members of the National Assembly through surveys and other means. The Democratic Party of Korea pledged to introduce the system before the general election, and when about 210,000 people agreed to a Blue House petition last year, the Blue House also emphasized its necessity. The 21st National Assembly is increasingly likely to establish a new system and culture where citizens can recall and dismiss lawmakers.

On the 28th, the NEC announced that it will conduct a research project on the recall system for National Assembly members as part of setting policy directions and drafting opinions on political relations law amendments. The research period will last until the end of October, so the NEC’s recommendations are expected within the year.

The NEC explained the research background, stating, "More than 210,000 people signed a Blue House petition demanding the introduction of a recall system for National Assembly members. Bills proposing the introduction of such a system have long been submitted in the National Assembly, and it was also discussed during the 2018 constitutional amendment debates."

The research will include voter surveys on the introduction of the recall system. It also plans to focus on key issues such as constitutional grounds, parliamentary immunity, grounds for recall, and the subjects of recall votes. Overseas cases from countries such as the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Taiwan will also be analyzed. Through this, the NEC intends to propose legislative bills and prerequisites related to the recall system for National Assembly members.

Currently, only the recall system for local government heads is implemented. In February, the Democratic Party proposed the national recall system as part of its "Working National Assembly" pledge. It allows for dismissal from office if a member violates Article 46 of the Constitution, which includes obligations such as "duty of integrity," "performing duties according to conscience prioritizing national interest," and "prohibition of abuse of position for rights or benefits." If a recall vote request is made, a National Recall Promotion Committee is formed to specifically review the grounds for the request before conducting the vote.

However, to prevent abuse of the recall system, the proposal also includes a provision for the Constitutional Court to review the grounds if 5% of voters request it.

In addition, in response to a Blue House petition demanding the recall system in June last year, then-Blue House Political Secretary Bok Ki-wang stated, "It is difficult to accept logically that there is no institutional device to recall National Assembly members, while the president, local government heads, and local council members can be recalled." He also conveyed that "President Moon Jae-in said, 'People as sovereigns are not satisfied with indirect democracy where they just watch politics and only exercise their vote during elections.'"

Meanwhile, the NEC has decided to conduct research projects not only on the national recall system but also on issues such as the age limit for eligibility to run for office, the effectiveness and impact of new election campaign methods like YouTube, and issues and improvement plans related to mock election education following the lowering of voting age. This is interpreted as an analysis and clarification of positions on controversies and issues raised during this general election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.