International IDEA and the National Election Commission of Korea Renew Cooperation to Strengthen Global Electoral Integrity

STOCKHOLM — On 21 November, International IDEA welcomed Chairperson Rho Tae-ak and a senior delegation from the National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea (NEC) to its headquarters in Stockholm for the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a long-standing partnership focused on strengthening democratic institutions and electoral integrity worldwide.

The new MoU updates a cooperation framework first signed in 2011 and reflects a shared commitment to promoting transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral processes at a time when democracies across regions face growing challenges such as disinformation, polarization, and declining public trust. The visit also offered an opportunity for both institutions to take stock of recent engagement, including collaboration around the Summit for Democracy and International IDEA’s ongoing work with key Korean partners such as the Korea Democracy Foundation.

Under the new agreement, International IDEA and the NEC will strengthen cooperation in priority areas including electoral system development, civic and voter education, electoral integrity standards, and innovation in electoral processes. The MoU also establishes practical modalities for collaboration – such as technical exchanges, staff secondments, joint research, and co-organized seminars and workshops – and sets the basis for an annual action and implementation plan, with initial joint activities envisioned from 2026 onward.

During the meeting, International IDEA highlighted the Republic of Korea’s influential voice in global democratic dialogue and the NEC’s role as one of Asia’s most respected electoral institutions, recognized for its professionalism, independence, and forward-looking approach to election administration. Chairperson Rho, who also serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Korea, reaffirmed the NEC’s commitment to strengthening democratic processes at home and to sharing lessons learned with the international community.

International IDEA looks forward to continuing this long-term partnership with the NEC and working together to support resilient democratic institutions and high-integrity elections around the world.