Noh Tae-ak, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, "We will create an election of unity and harmony that trusts the election results"

No Tae-ak, Chairman of the National Election Commission, promised in his New Year's address on the 1st, "The Election Commission will deeply reaffirm its constitutional duty of fair election management regardless of any difficulties, and manage elections accurately and transparently to create elections of unity and harmony in which all citizens trust the election results."

Chairman No stated, "I ask not only the political parties and candidates participating in the election but also all voters to create a mature election culture of trust, respect, acceptance, and harmony."

Regarding the parliamentary election in April this year, he said, "Although the election system reform and constituency delimitation have not yet been finalized, the Election Commission is preparing meticulously to ensure that there are no disruptions in election management under any circumstances," and promised, "We will increase the reliability of the election process by making election procedures more transparent." He added, "We will work harder to manage voting and counting accurately so that voters can vote with confidence and their intentions are fully reflected in the election results," and "We will also improve the polling station environment to a higher level so that all voters can vote safely and without inconvenience."

Noh Tae-ak, Chairman of the National Election Commission, is delivering a greeting at the National Assembly's audit on the National Election Commission held on the 5th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chairman No said, "While guaranteeing the freedom of election campaigning to the fullest extent, we will respond swiftly and strongly to serious crimes that disrupt election order, such as the creation and distribution of false information using generative AI, according to the recently amended Public Official Election Act," and added, "We will provide accurate election information in a timely manner and promote policy elections to help voters make the right choices."

Meanwhile, the Election Commission also introduced efforts to overcome controversies related to recruitment irregularities last year. He said, "Last year, the Election Commission underwent a painful period of reflection and introspection," and introduced, "We completely overhauled the personnel system to enhance fairness in recruitment, established an Audit Committee, and hired an open-type auditor to set up double and triple checks and monitoring mechanisms." Regarding the issues pointed out about hacking and information security systems, he said, "We will supplement and improve vulnerabilities to establish a more robust security system."

Below is the full text of Chairman No’s New Year's address.

Respected citizens! The new morning of 2024, the Year of Gapjin (甲辰), has dawned. Receiving the energy of the soaring Blue Dragon, I pray that all the wishes of the people will come true this year. Last year, the National Election Commission underwent a painful period of reflection and introspection. We will never forget the criticism and reproach poured out by the people. With a determination never to disappoint again, we have made desperate efforts for change and innovation to be reborn as a constitutional institution transformed completely. We have thoroughly revised the personnel system to enhance fairness in recruitment. We established an Audit Committee and hired an open-type auditor to set up double and triple checks and monitoring mechanisms. Going forward, we will further strengthen internal self-purification functions through objective external perspectives. We will supplement and improve vulnerabilities in the information security system caused by insufficient human and material resources to establish a more robust security system. Respected citizens! As you well know, the 22nd National Assembly election will be held this April. Although the election system reform and constituency delimitation have not yet been finalized, the National Election Commission is preparing meticulously to ensure that there are no disruptions in election management under any circumstances. We will make election procedures more transparent to increase the reliability of the election process. We will work harder to manage voting and counting accurately so that voters can vote with confidence and their intentions are fully reflected in the election results. We will also improve the polling station environment to a higher level so that all voters can vote safely and without inconvenience. While guaranteeing the freedom of election campaigning to the fullest extent, we will respond swiftly and strongly to serious crimes that disrupt election order, such as the creation and distribution of false information using generative AI, according to the recently amended Public Official Election Act. Additionally, we will provide accurate election information in a timely manner and promote policy elections to help voters make the right choices. Respected citizens! Elections are called the flower of democracy. At the same time, elections are a fierce battleground to gain the support of the people. Through elections, we must compete fairly and accept the results, becoming a process of unity and harmony for the people. However, with the recent deepening political polarization, confirmation bias, and even allegations of election fraud, there is concern that the original function of elections is being threatened by an atmosphere that encourages election rejection and undermines national unity. The National Election Commission will deeply reaffirm its constitutional duty of fair election management regardless of any difficulties, and manage elections accurately and transparently to create elections of unity and harmony in which all citizens trust the election results. I ask not only the political parties and candidates participating in the election but also all voters to create a mature election culture of trust, respect, acceptance, and harmony. Respected citizens! This year is a meaningful year in which our precious votes come together to open the future of the Republic of Korea. Our National Election Commission will walk the path of opening the future with the people through fairness and trust. We will spare no effort. Please watch over us with affection and interest. I pray that all your wishes come true this year and that your homes are filled with health and happiness. Happy New Year. Thank you.