[Editorial] Election Watchdog’s Reluctance

Although the National Election Commission (NEC), a constitutional body, seems to be baffled by the President Roh Moo-hyun’s repeated remarks denying his violation of the election law and his duty to remain politically neutral in elections, it has displayed incompetence in addressing the problem.

President Roh on Friday denounced presidential hopefuls of the GNP, implying that the GNP is an illegitimate political party that must not win the presidential election. However, in this regard, an official of the NEC said, “His remarks were not serious enough to say that he has violated his duty to remain neutral in elections. When Roh made similar remarks on June 2, the commission concluded on Thursday that the president breached the election law and his duty as a government official to remain politically neutral regarding elections.

If the NEC overlooks Roh’s recent remarks, which were more malicious and intentional, it will be abandoning its duties as the nation’s election watchdog. The NEC’s lukewarm reaction creates serious doubt as to its competency to oversee fair presidential elections, which are more than six months away.

President Roh on Friday practically refused to remain politically neutral and blatantly discounted the election law, claiming it is unconstitutional. This resembles a situation where “a thief saved from the gallows cuts your throat.” If the commission gives up what it is obliged to do because the violator is the head of state, this will shake the foundation of the nation.

The commission’s Thursday ruling was not a mere expression of opinion but a verdict concerning the outcome of the presidential election. In spite of this, President Roh refused to accept the ruling, saying, “It is ambiguous what electioneering or political neutrality is.”

Public servants are required to remain neutral in elections according to the law which was adopted due to precedent where former presidents abused their power to manipulate the results of elections. Even in the U.S., where the president is eligible for a second term, it is unthinkable to see a president one-sidedly condemning presidential candidates of the opposition parties.

The NEC must deliberate on Roh’s remarks, which are viewed by some politicians as a threat to constitutional order, at a plenary session and review taking effective measures in response, such as filing a complaint with the prosecution. If the commission compromises on its principles, it will lose the trust of people and will not be able to properly supervise the upcoming presidential elections. The NEC must exercise its rights and authorities as a constitutional institution.