[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] As the June 1 local elections approach, the Gyeongnam Election Commission has been cracking down on illegal election activities, filing complaints in more than 10 cases.
According to the Gyeongsangnam-do Election Commission on the 6th, a total of 54 cases related to violations of the Public Official Election Act in the local elections in the province have been addressed, including 15 cases reported to the prosecution after investigation. One case was referred to the police for investigation, and 38 cases received written warnings.
By type, 10 cases involved acts of donation, and one case each involved printed materials, use of assemblies or meetings, false information publication, election opinion polls, and others were reported. One case related to election opinion polls was referred for investigation, and among the warning cases, there were also types involving election interference by public officials and facility-related issues.
Reviewing the violations announced by the Gyeongnam Election Commission last month, seven people including Mr. A were reported to the prosecution for distributing about 1,100 election campaign business cards for a preliminary candidate in Sacheon. Two people including Mr. B were reported for holding an SNS event and providing gifts for a prospective candidate in Hapcheon. Two people including Mr. C were reported for providing fruit worth about 200,000 KRW to 20 voters for a preliminary candidate in Geoje around late March.
Additionally, former local council member Mr. D and an acquaintance were reported for providing food worth 66,000 KRW to two voters in Hapcheon around late March. Prospective candidate Mr. E and a construction businessman were reported for receiving 10 million KRW in cash under the pretext of business convenience in Hadong around late February.
The Gyeongnam Election Commission also reported the chairman Mr. F and a secretary of a meeting held for 15 voters in Geochang around late March for providing food worth 294,000 KRW for a preliminary candidate. In Sancheong, the representative of an internet newspaper, Mr. G, was reported for writing and publishing false or distorted articles three times between mid to late February with the intent to get a candidate elected.
The Gyeongnam Police Agency is currently investigating about 20 cases involving over 40 people related to election law violations, including complaints and accusations.
With less than a month remaining until the local elections, the Gyeongnam Election Commission expects violations to become more frequent and plans to strengthen enforcement activities while responding strongly to serious election crimes. The police will also strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy toward election crimes.
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