Resignation of Election Commission Secretary-General... People Power Party Urges "No Jeong-hee to Step Down"

"Roe Jung-hee Election Commission Loses Public Trust and Organizational Credibility"
Kim Se-hwan, Secretary General of Election Commission, Dismissal Seen as 'Scapegoating'
"Deputy Secretary and Department Heads Should Also Step Down"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] On the 17th, the People Power Party pressured No Jeong-hee, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, to resign, stating that the "'No Jeong-hee Election Commission' has lost the trust of the people and the confidence of its members." Amid the dismissal of Kim Se-hwan, Secretary-General of the Central Election Commission, on the same day for his responsibility in the poor management of early voting for COVID-19 confirmed and quarantined individuals during the 20th presidential election, the People Power Party criticized this as a ‘scapegoating’ attempt to protect Chairperson No.

Earlier, Secretary-General Kim sparked controversy by stating, "It seems that the confirmed patients caused a disturbance insisting on putting their ballots directly into the ballot box and left the printed ballots behind." It is also known that allegations of preferential treatment involving his son influenced Kim’s expression of intent to resign. Kim’s son was promoted within six months after transferring from Ganghwa County Office to the Incheon City Election Commission in January 2020, and there were suspicions of preferential treatment during a business trip to the United States.

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, "Most of the standing members of the election commissions in 17 cities and provinces have effectively demanded Chairperson No’s resignation," adding, "Chairperson No should voluntarily resign as the minimum duty to the organization and the people, rather than shamelessly holding on any longer." He further emphasized, "As long as Chairperson No retains her position, public distrust can never be resolved. She should humbly bow her head before the people, apologize sincerely, and resign voluntarily." He also insisted, "The Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Election Commission, who was responsible for practical duties, and the directors in charge of election affairs should also step down."

Heo Eun-ah, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, also released a statement that day, saying, "With the statement from the standing members of the city and provincial election commissions, the only path left for Chairperson No is resignation, and the only choice she can make is to resign." She directly criticized, "'The No Jeong-hee Election Commission' has lost the trust of the people externally and the confidence of its members internally. What justification is there to hold on any longer?"

Meanwhile, the Blue House is maintaining a reserved stance regarding the controversy surrounding the Election Commission. A Blue House official stated, "There is nothing for the Blue House to comment on regarding personnel matters of the head of an independent institution."