Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that a fundamental reform of the state election watchdog is necessary, potentially requiring a constitutional amendment, following the institution's failure in the recent local elections. Lee emphasized this need during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, highlighting the National Election Commission's (NEC) inability to supply sufficient ballot papers for the June 3 local elections, which disrupted voting at 26 polling stations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee criticized the current situation as "absurd," pointing out the lack of oversight and checks and balances on the NEC's operations due to its status as an independent body. He proposed that if rival political parties agree, a one-point constitutional amendment regarding the NEC should be considered. Lee noted the high likelihood that any attempt to establish legal oversight over the NEC could be deemed unconstitutional, given its independence as enshrined in the Constitution.

President Lee further suggested the necessity of altering the current process of appointing NEC members, particularly questioning the method wherein one of the three NEC members is recommended by the Supreme Court chief justice to lead the watchdog. He stated that, if needed, the president could initiate a constitutional amendment. Lee mentioned that the government would formulate its stance after observing discussions within political circles.

When inquired about a potential Cabinet reshuffle, Lee acknowledged that it would occur at an appropriate time, considering the administration has surpassed its one-year milestone. Following the local elections, Lee nominated Han Seong-sook, the minister of small and medium-sized enterprises, to succeed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. "We will need to do a Cabinet reshuffle at an appropriate time, on an appropriate scale, but for now, I haven't yet looked in detail at when, for which ministries, and to what extent," Lee remarked.