"Of Course It Should Be Postponed" vs "It Was Done During 6.25 Too" Debate Over '4.15 General Election Postponement'

Election Commission: "Presidential Decisions Under Election Law"

As it was reported that a COVID-19 confirmed patient attended an event of the United Future Party, all National Assembly buildings, including the main building, were closed for the first time in the history of the legislature on the 25th. On the 25th, the red light on the barrier at the entrance gate in front of the National Assembly showed the current state of the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), calls to postpone the April 15 general election are emerging mainly within the National Assembly. As the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 1,000, there are conflicting opinions between those who argue that postponing the general election is inevitable and those who say it cannot be postponed.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated at a press briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th regarding the postponement debate, "I don't think the general election has ever been postponed before," adding, "because it would create a situation where the legislative branch is absent."

He continued, "There is no way to extend the term of the 20th National Assembly members by postponing the election," and said, "Therefore, I think the election must proceed as scheduled."

Song Young-gil, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, also appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 25th and pointed out, "The election schedule should proceed as planned; postponing the election could cause greater confusion."

Min Byung-doo, another Democratic Party member, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "Some opposition parties are talking about postponing the election, but it is inappropriate. The general election and its schedule form the foundation of national order. Therefore, postponement is limited to unavoidable cases such as natural disasters," adding, "If voting and counting stations can be managed and operated stably, the election should be held as prescribed by law."

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering an opening remark at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 25th.
Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@asiae.co.kr

On the other hand, Sohn Hak-kyu, former leader of the Bareunmirae Party, advocated for postponing the election at the party's Supreme Council meeting on the 21st, saying, "The president and the National Election Commission should actively consider postponing the general election." He added, "It is undesirable in a democracy to hold the most important election without public participation or even face-to-face interaction."

Yoo Sung-yeop, floor leader of the Democratic Integration Assembly, also said at a joint meeting of the Supreme Council and National Assembly members held at the National Assembly on the 24th, "It is currently impossible to conduct election campaigns. Visiting village halls or senior centers is very reluctant, so campaigning is extremely difficult," and added, "I think it is necessary to seriously consider postponing the election while monitoring the progress of the COVID-19 situation this week."

There are also criticisms that deciding to postpone the election is premature.

Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party, wrote on his Facebook on the 23rd, "The COVID-19 situation is escalating from a national disaster to a catastrophe. It is questionable whether the election can be held properly without postponement under these circumstances."

Park Ji-won, a member of the Alternative New Party, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 17th and said regarding calls to postpone the election, "It seems too early. Even during the Korean War, elections were held, and even if the turnout was low, the election had to be conducted," but added, "If the COVID-19 situation continues for another 50 days, then we can decide at that time."

Accordingly, some voices are emerging opposing postponement, saying, "Elections were held even during the Korean War," "We shouldn't postpone because of COVID-19," and "Even if turnout decreases due to COVID-19, the election must be held."

An office worker A (25) said, "Elections were held even during the Korean War," and added, "Even if turnout decreases slightly, I think it should proceed as scheduled." A also emphasized, "The election should be held even if the voting period is extended."

Another office worker B (27) said, "Isn't the postponement of the general election because of the judgment that COVID-19 will negatively affect the election?" and criticized, "(COVID-19) is not a national disaster, so what kind of election postponement is this?"

It was reported that a COVID-19 confirmed patient attended an event of the United Future Party, leading to the closure of all National Assembly buildings, including the main building, on the 25th for the first time in the history of the legislature.
Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@asiae.co.kr

On the other hand, netizens advocating for postponing the election responded with comments such as, "Why should we vote on that date when the COVID-19 outbreak is ongoing?" and "Who would go to vote during a national disaster?"

Netizen C in their 20s said, "Is this the time to consider voter turnout?" and raised their voice, "In a situation where you don't know when or where you might get infected with COVID-19, should we push ahead with the general election?"

The National Election Commission stated that it does not have the legal authority to consider postponing the election.

An official from the National Election Commission told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "We do not have the legal authority to consider postponing the election," adding, "This matter is a decision for the president as stipulated in the Public Official Election Act, and it is not appropriate for the Election Commission to take a position on this."

According to Article 196 of the Public Official Election Act, "If an election cannot be held or conducted due to natural disasters, accidents, or other unavoidable reasons, the president shall postpone the presidential and National Assembly elections."

Meanwhile, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced on the morning of the 26th at 9 a.m. that 169 new confirmed cases had been reported. Accordingly, the total number of confirmed cases in the country rose to 1,146. The total number of infections has exceeded 1,000.