6·1 Local Election 'Voters Receiving Money Fined Up to 30 Million Won'

The Election Commission: "Voluntary Reporting After the Election May Exempt Fines and Penalties"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Jeonnam Election Commission is reportedly considering imposing fines of up to 30 million won on voters who received money, food, and other items during the June 1 nationwide simultaneous local elections.

The Jeonnam Election Commission completed the first investigation of offenders caught receiving food and money during the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections and referred the case to the police and prosecution for further investigation.

The Election Commission plans to impose fines on voters who received money based on the court's final judgment after the investigation.

According to election law, if money or food is received in connection with an election, a fine of 10 to 50 times the amount can be imposed, with a maximum of 30 million won.

In Gokseong, two voters were caught receiving cash envelopes from Mr. A, who is presumed to be an associate of a Gokseong County mayoral candidate.

It was confirmed that Mr. A provided 300,000 won and 200,000 won in cash to two voters in the electoral district on the 9th and 12th of last month, respectively, and voters who voluntarily reported receiving money were excluded from prosecution.

Earlier, rumors circulated in Gokseong County that cash envelopes containing 100,000 won along with a specific candidate's business card were distributed. Along with this, a recorded phone conversation circulated stating, "Cash envelopes containing 100,000 won along with a specific candidate's business card were delivered to several apartment residents. We will collect them."

There were also rumors that a candidate's side handed over a cash envelope containing 300,000 won placed in the back pocket in front of a mid-sized office, which was found stored in the recipient's vehicle. The person initially denied the facts during the Jeonnam Election Commission's investigation but admitted after video evidence was presented.

After prosecution and a final court ruling, if the Election Commission applies the 50 times regulation, they will each have to pay fines of 10 million won and 15 million won, respectively.

An Election Commission official stated, "We will apply a zero-tolerance policy to campaign workers who provide food and money for the purpose of a candidate's election and to voters who receive them," adding, "Even after the election, voluntary reporting can exempt fines."

Meanwhile, during the 21st National Assembly election, the Jeonnam Election Commission imposed fines totaling about 11 million won by applying up to 30 times the amount on 12 voters who received meals worth 440,000 won, and a total of 25,635,000 won in fines on voters who received food and transportation conveniences.