Revealed Providing Money and Goods to Constituents... Public Sentiment Shaken a Day Before Election

Money envelopes and cash seized by the Election Commission. This image is not related to the content of the main article.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] With the June 1 nationwide local elections just one day away, the Jeonnam Provincial Election Commission announced on the 31st that it has reported to the prosecution A, a close aide of a candidate, and B, who received money and goods, on charges of providing money and goods to voters in the electoral district.

According to the Election Commission, A is accused of providing 300,000 won and 200,000 won in cash to two voters in the electoral district on the 9th and 12th, respectively.

The Election Commission is known to have excluded from the report the voter who voluntarily reported among the residents who received money and goods.

Earlier, in Gokseong-gun, rumors circulated that envelopes containing 100,000 won along with a specific candidate’s business card were distributed, and a recorded phone conversation with an acquaintance surfaced in which the person said, “I delivered envelopes containing 100,000 won along with a specific candidate’s business card to several apartment residents,” and “I will collect them.”

Candidate B, suspected as the source of this money and goods distribution, dismissed the allegations, saying, “The distribution of money and goods is a clear falsehood intended to slander me.”

As the distribution of money and goods, which had only been rumors until now, was confirmed as true by the investigation of the Jeollanam-do Election Commission, it is expected that local public sentiment will be shaken just one day before the election.

A Jeonnam Election Commission official said, “We will mobilize all inspection personnel, including the provincial wide-area investigation team and the Fair Election Support Group, to fully focus on prevention and crackdown activities against serious election crimes such as providing money and goods related to the election,” and added, “We will thoroughly investigate and strictly take measures such as reporting against any illegal acts detected.”

According to Article 230 (Bribery and Inducement) Paragraph 1, Items 1 and 7 of the Public Official Election Act, those who provide or receive money, goods, or property benefits to voters for the purpose of election or other reasons shall be punished by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 30 million won.