[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The by-election for the mayor of Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do, scheduled to be held alongside the 21st National Assembly election on the 15th of next month, is showing signs of 'overheating and confusion,' prompting calls for strengthened supervision by the Election Commission.
According to local political circles on the 30th, five candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for this mayoral by-election: Lee Sang-ik of the Democratic Party, Kim Seong-ho of the Minsheng Party, and independents Jeong Cheol-hee, Shin Gyeong-seon, and Jeong Du-suk.
With the candidate lineup finalized and the election campaign in full swing, various allegations such as vote-buying have surfaced.
The Jeollanam-do Election Commission recently reportedly filed complaints with the prosecution against six individuals on charges of violating election laws.
One preliminary candidate’s campaign manager, Mr. A, is accused of distributing about 800 copies of a newspaper containing candidate B’s election pledges to residents visiting the campaign office, while Mr. C is suspected of distributing the same newspaper at local public facilities. Candidate B is alleged to have tacitly approved this.
Additionally, before the Democratic Party primary, there were allegations that a specific candidate distributed money, causing unrest in the local community.
On the 1st, two preliminary candidates who participated in the Democratic Party primary held a press conference stating, “A voter who received money from preliminary candidate D made a conscience declaration and formally reported it to the Jeonnam Election Commission,” adding, “There is growing public opinion that vote-buying must be eradicated.”
In response, preliminary candidate D explained that around last year’s Chuseok holiday, he visited Mr. E in the hospital with his in-law, but it was purely a hospital visit and no money was handed over.
D’s in-law also posted a statement on social media at the time, clarifying that the money was a personal condolence gift and had no connection to the candidate.
Furthermore, there are ongoing disputes over recorded phone calls related to election interference, such as the former head of the local government supporting a specific candidate, and various other allegations are rampant, raising concerns about the overheated election atmosphere.
Resident Park (58) said, “The previous Hampyeong-gun mayor also fell from office mid-term due to money-related issues; the mayoral election is always full of controversies and troubles,” adding, “I hope the Election Commission actively steps in to prevent such incidents from recurring and ensures a fair election.”
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