Prosecutors Indict 27 Incumbent Lawmakers for Election Law Violations

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] It has been reported that 27 incumbent lawmakers were prosecuted for violating the Public Official Election Act in the April 15 general election. The total number of election offenders who were booked, detained, or indicted was found to have decreased compared to the previous general election due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the 18th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced the results of the investigation into election offenses related to the 21st National Assembly election.

As of the 15th, the expiration date of the statute of limitations for election crimes, the total number of election offenders booked was 2,874, a 9.5% decrease from the 3,176 offenders in the 20th general election. Among them, 36 were detained and 1,154 were indicted. The numbers of detained and indicted individuals decreased by 78 and 276, respectively, compared to the 20th general election.

Among the indicted offenders, 27 were incumbent members of the National Assembly, which is 6 fewer than the 33 in the 20th general election.

A representative from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office explained, "The overall decrease in election offenders in this year's general election compared to the 20th general election is due to a significant reduction in face-to-face election campaigns to prevent the spread of COVID-19."