[Asia Economy Reporter Woo Su-yeon] The National Election Commission (NEC) has concluded that the 'Youth Mock Election' conducted for elementary, middle, and high school students may violate the Public Official Election Act.
On the afternoon of the 6th, the NEC held a plenary meeting at its office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, where it discussed the possibility of a 'Mock Vote for Youth Parliamentary Elections' and decided to prohibit it.
The NEC explained the background of its decision, stating, "Even if the mock vote is conducted for students who do not have voting rights, holding a mock vote under the education office's plan by teachers close to an election can, depending on the manner of the act, be considered an act intended to influence the election, thereby violating the Public Official Election Act."
It added, "'Acts influencing an election' refer to any behavior that changes or may potentially affect the election process or results," and "considering that the closer it gets to the election day, the greater the possibility of influencing the election results."
The scene of the Central Election Commission plenary meeting held on the 6th at Gwacheon Central Election Commission / Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education claimed that the '2020 General Election Mock Election Project Learning' could provide students with opportunities to learn about the election system and suffrage. However, the NEC has consistently pointed out the possibility that teachers' political inclinations might influence students, which could violate election laws.
On this day, while announcing the prohibition of mock voting, the NEC emphasized the necessity of suffrage education. The NEC stated, "We deeply recognize the need for education that enlightens not only 18-year-old voters but also future voters about the importance of suffrage and the correct way to exercise sovereignty."
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