Bonghwa Election Commission Catches Union Chief Candidate Offering 1 Million Won in Cash

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Koo Dae-sun] The Bonghwa County Election Commission in Gyeongbuk announced on the 9th that it caught candidate A in the act of giving 1 million won in cash to cooperative member B ahead of the nationwide simultaneous cooperative head elections and reported the case to the police.

Gyeongbuk Election Commission.

According to Article 35 (Restrictions on Gift Acts) Paragraph 1 of the "Act on Elections for Public Organizations, etc.," "Candidates (including those intending to become candidates) are prohibited from giving gifts during the restricted period," and Article 59 (Penalties for Violations of Prohibition and Restrictions on Gift Acts) of the same law states that "Anyone who violates Article 35 shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won."

The Gyeongbuk Election Commission and Bonghwa Election Commission stated that ahead of the 3rd simultaneous cooperative head elections to be held on March 8, they will strictly deal with bribery and gift acts on the principle of zero tolerance, and in cases where gifts are received related to entrusted elections, a fine of up to 30 million won will be imposed. They also urged prospective candidates and cooperative members to actively report any violations.