Government to Strictly Crack Down on Illegal and Unlawful Election Campaigning in Local Elections... Enhanced Inspection Activities Targeting Public Officials

Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Health and Welfare Jointly Announce 'Public Address'... Election Campaigning for Local Elections Begins on the 19th
Minister Lee Sang-min: "No Illegal Activities Such as Bribery, Spreading False Information, or Election Violence Will Be Tolerated"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] With the nationwide local elections scheduled for the 1st of next month and the official election campaign starting in earnest from the 19th, the government will thoroughly crack down on illegal and illicit election campaigning and strengthen inspection activities to ensure the neutrality of public officials and establish public service discipline.

On the 17th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a joint public statement at the Government Seoul Complex, pledging to practice fair elections to guarantee the precious voting rights of the people, establish public service discipline, and strictly enforce laws against various election crimes. This election will simultaneously hold local elections to elect heads of local governments, local council members, and superintendents of education, as well as by-elections to elect seven members of the National Assembly.

The government will mobilize all government-wide capabilities to thoroughly crack down on illegal and illicit election campaigning. In particular, it plans to take firm action against any violations of election laws in accordance with laws and principles, in cooperation with the prosecution, police, and the Central Election Commission. Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min stated, "Although our election culture has matured and the awareness levels of candidates and voters have greatly improved, there is still concern that cases of illegal election campaigning may occur," adding, "In cooperation with the prosecution, police, and the Central Election Commission, we will not tolerate any illegality during the election process, such as bribery, dissemination of false information, or election violence."

Furthermore, the government plans to strengthen inspection activities during the election period to ensure public officials practice election neutrality and establish public service discipline, and to strictly punish any violations. Minister Lee explained, "We will strengthen inspection activities to prevent public officials from siding with specific candidates or parties or engaging in elections through social networking services (SNS), and we will take strict measures against any violations."

Meanwhile, the government intends to create a voting environment where citizens can vote with peace of mind by conducting voting for COVID-19 quarantined individuals and extending polling station operating hours. If the current quarantine obligations remain on election day, COVID-19 quarantined individuals will be able to vote on the second day of early voting, the 28th, between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and on election day, the 1st of next month, between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Minister Lee urged, "Please wear a mask when coming to the polling station and follow quarantine rules at the polling station," and added, "Voters who find it difficult to vote on election day are encouraged to actively use the early voting held on the 27th and 28th of this month."