Elected Officials' Authority and Privileges... 'Nearly Equivalent to Incumbent President'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The president-elect of the 20th presidential election, who will be elected on the 9th, will receive treatment equivalent to that of the incumbent president until their inauguration on May 10. Both the president-elect and their spouse will be subjects of security protection, and they will be provided with the armored vehicle used by the president.

The Presidential Security Service is reported to have already organized a dedicated security team to carry out protection duties for the president-elect until the new president's inauguration. According to the Act on the Protection of the President, the president-elect, their spouse, and immediate family members are also subjects of protection by the Presidential Security Service.

The dedicated security team will provide 24-hour close protection for the president-elect’s safety. Metal detectors will be installed at the president-elect’s residence and office, and visitors will be screened. Specially manufactured armored vehicles and escort vehicles used by the president will be provided, with driving handled exclusively by professional personnel from the Security Service. When traveling abroad, protocol and security equivalent to those for the incumbent president will be provided.

The authority of the president-elect is also enhanced. According to the Act on the Transfer of Presidential Duties, the president-elect may establish a temporary organization called the transition committee to handle presidential transition tasks. The transition committee consists of one honorary chairman, one vice chairman, and up to 24 members, with government officials dispatched to support the committee.

Considering that five years ago, President Moon Jae-in was elected through a by-election following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye and there was no transition committee, this election will mark the formation of the first transition committee in 10 years. However, since members are not public officials, they do not receive a salary but are provided with activity expenses through the budget allocated to the transition committee.

Additionally, the president-elect can hold meetings with the president to mutually discuss major national issues and receive reports on current affairs from cabinet members.

Meanwhile, the Blue House is making thorough preparations for election management and is closely monitoring the situation. Once the president-elect is confirmed, it is expected that President Moon will offer congratulations via phone call, following precedent.

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