Chairperson of the Central Election Commission Apologizes for Controversy Over Standing Chairperson Position: "Expresses Deep Regret"

"I will fairly manage the two major upcoming elections"

No Jeong-hee, Chairperson of the National Election Commission [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] No Jeong-hee, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, expressed "regret" on the 26th regarding the controversy over the appointment of a standing commissioner and stated that customs should be respected.

In a statement titled "A Message to the People," Chairperson No said, "I deeply regret, as the chairperson, causing concern to the public recently regarding the composition of the Central Election Commission."

The regret expressed this time appears to be related to the recent issue involving former standing commissioner Jo Hae-ju. Former commissioner Jo attempted to continue his term as a non-standing commissioner at the request of President Moon Jae-in but eventually resigned amid internal opposition within the election campaign committee.

Regarding this, Chairperson No said, "Through this incident, I am grateful that we were able to reaffirm the public's desire for fair elections and their expectations for the independence and neutrality of the Election Commission," adding, "Despite various discussions about the composition of the Election Commission, the exercise of appointment rights based on standing commissioners and the custom of electing commissioners who have undergone parliamentary confirmation hearings as standing commissioners within the commission should be respected to preserve the independence of the Election Commission."

She also expressed a firm commitment to strict neutrality in the upcoming presidential and local elections. Chairperson No stated, "The Election Commission will manage the two major upcoming elections fairly and accurately according to laws and principles without wavering, thereby meeting the expectations and hopes of the people."

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