Election commissions in school and country-MCH’s Election Commission and National Election Commission

▲On July 11, 2023, the 14th student government election took place at Michuhol Foreign Language High School. A total of 522 students participated in the election and voted to determine the members of the 14th Student Government Association. The people who played the most important role in this election were the members of the Election Commission. However, students don't know much about the Electoral Commission how it is organized, and what its rules are. Therefore, we will introduce the Election Commission for understanding elections.

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What is the Election Commission?

 The Election Commission is an organization established for the fair administration of elections and voting, and the management of political parties and political funds. In South Korea, there is the National Election Commission (NEC), which is an independent constitutional body that conducts various activities to ensure the fair administration of elections. Organizing the school's election commission and conducting elections are also in accordance with the rules of the NEC.

MCH’s Election Commission

 As above, the Election Committee of Michuhol Foreign Language High School was organized according to the principles of the Central Election Commission, consisting of between seven and nine members, supported by the class leaders of each class in grades 1 and 2 who are not running for election. In addition, according to the regulations, all rules decided by the Election Committee were decided based on the principle of majority vote, and a chairperson was elected to manage the election by conducting meetings centered on the chairperson. It managed candidate registration by checking that candidates met all the criteria and filled out all the paperwork in the correct way, and it managed the campaign by holding meetings to devise ways of campaigning, where and when it would take place, and how to monitor and warn candidates who broke the rules. In the subsequent election, we set up the voting system, organized the venue, participated in the counting of votes, and confirmed and announced the winner. Throughout this process, numerous documents and rules were constantly reviewed, and all officers participated enthusiastically to realize a fair and correct election. In addition to the election process, we also provided guidance on voting participation, promoted the importance of choosing the right candidate, and made efforts to ensure a good election.

National Election Commission

 The National Election Commission is composed of the Central Election Commission and the Election Commission at each level. The Central Election Commission is composed of nine members, with the president appointing three members, electing three members in Congress, and the Supreme Court selecting three members. In addition, the chairperson is elected by voting from among the members. There are four types of election management committees at each level: special city, municipality, and provincial election management committees, constituency management committees, city, district, and county election management committees, and constituency election commissions. Election Commissions at each level are commissioned by higher Election Commissions from among judges, educators, etc. To ensure the neutrality of election management, committee members cannot join political parties or get involved in politics. 

 

 NEC has the authority to manage the elections of the President and the elections of members of the National Assembly. In particular, the Central Election Commission establishes rules for election management within the scope of laws and regulations. Also, The National Election Commission manages national referendums, that is, referendums on constitutional amendments and important policies proposed by the President. Also, The Central Election Commission has the right to deal with political party affairs and the right to make rules.

Role of the National Election Commission

 The National Election Commission manages the entire process, starting with the registration of preliminary candidates from a certain point before the election, preparing and supervising the electoral register, registering candidates, managing the election campaign, and voting and counting. During this process, a monitoring group is formed with the Fair Election Support Group, fair election volunteers, reporting/information agents, etc., to ensure that political parties and candidates comply with the election procedures and that the elections are conducted fairly. In addition, the committee allows political parties and candidates to compete by presenting feasible policies while complying with election laws, delivers election information to the public so that voters can compare and choose candidates' views and policies, and holds policy debates. Lastly, It Determines and announces the expenses required for campaigns allowed for each election, and takes action against parties and candidates who violate it. 

 

 Both schools and national electoral commissions are working to ensure fair elections in their respective locations. More people than we think are protecting our fair schools and society through various activities. Therefore, we should take an interest in these committees and how they work, cultivate civic awareness, and contribute to ensuring fair elections. 

 

Kwon Seorim (1-1)¹ | Staff Reporter

Seoyoung Lee (2-4)² | Staff Reporter

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1) w.forest0102@gmail.com

2) seoyoung061013@gmail.com