Kim Min-soo, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party. / Yonhap News. 

Kim Min-soo, a Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, proposed the abolition of the early voting system, which he claims causes social conflict, and suggested a "48-hour main voting system" as an alternative. 

At a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 6th, Kim stated, "The election system is the foundation of democracy, and the election system, which exercises sovereignty, naturally requires the highest level of public trust," and made this proposal. 

He mentioned, "Last October, the Constitutional Court ruled that the early voting system is constitutional." He added, "Although early voting does not guarantee the election period stipulated by law, it is difficult to argue that it hinders voters' judgment, and the reason given was that it enhances voting convenience." 

He continued, "The court's decision must be respected, but constitutionality does not necessarily mean the system is perfect." "The controversy over early voting has been repeated in every election. Even small doubts about voting cause social conflict, weaken the trust in elected officials, and lead to distrust in the system. National conflict ultimately results in social costs," he expressed his concern. 

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The legislature needs to re-examine the early voting system not solely from the perspective of convenience, but from the perspective of institutional trust." "There are sufficient ways to increase voter turnout and enhance voter convenience, as well as to guarantee candidates the election campaign period stipulated by law," he stressed. 

He added, "For example, if we implement a '48-hour voting system' where the main voting takes place over two days, it can reduce distrust and confusion while guaranteeing the election campaign period prescribed by election law." He also said, "This will not only be a realistic alternative but also increase voter turnout." 

Kim stated, "There are still seven months left until the local elections." "There is enough time for systemic improvement. I urge the legislature to improve the election system so that it can minimize unnecessary social conflict and enhance the transparency and fairness of the election system." 

Finally, he warned, "If we continue to unilaterally insist on a system that has lost the public's trust, the Lee Jae-myung administration will also not be able to last." 

Editorial Department