Election Campaign Vehicle Occupying India and Safe Zones... Controversy Over Electioneering Above the Law [Clean Election]

Police and Local Governments Reluctant to Crack Down
Election Commission: "Not Related to Election Law"
Concerns Raised Over Citizen Safety Threats

As the official campaign for the April 10 general election has begun, violations of traffic laws by campaign vehicles are rampant. The police and local governments are reluctant to crack down due to the political sensitivity, and the National Election Commission is taking no action, stating that these are not violations of election laws.

On the 2nd, a National Election Commission official said, "Candidates can campaign within the scope permitted by the Public Official Election Act," adding, "Violations of the Road Traffic Act involving encroachment on sidewalks and safety zones should be addressed to the police station or local government. It is not stipulated in the Public Official Election Act."

According to Article 79 of the Public Official Election Act, during the campaign period, candidates may give speeches or hold dialogues in public places such as roadsides, squares, vacant lots, and community centers. However, this is the only relevant provision, and there are no regulations concerning illegal parking or stopping of campaign vehicles.

On the 28th of last month, citizens in downtown Seoul are watching the election campaign of candidates for the April 10 general election. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Although the police and local governments can enforce regulations, in reality, there is a lack of enforcement during the election period. A police official explained, "In principle, these are subject to enforcement under the Road Traffic Act. However, there is a need to guarantee election campaigning under the Public Official Election Act," adding, "If severe congestion or dangerous situations occur, we instruct on-site correction." He continued, "If 112 emergency calls continue to come in, enforcement will be carried out then," but also noted, "There are difficulties due to fairness issues, as enforcement in some places but not others could raise concerns."

Under the Road Traffic Act, all vehicles are prohibited from stopping or parking at intersections, crosswalks, railroad crossings, and sidewalks. Safety zones are off-limits except for ambulances and emergency vehicles. Safety zones serve as buffer areas to protect pedestrians and ensure smooth entry and exit of vehicles. However, campaign vehicles do not hesitate to engage in illegal activities to secure prime spots with high public exposure.

In fact, campaign vehicles occupying sidewalks and safety zones can be easily found throughout Seoul. Especially during launch ceremonies or intensive campaigns where all party members are mobilized, vehicles are often parked on sidewalks for large-scale promotional activities regardless of the political party. Although police officers were deployed at these scenes, no sanctions were imposed.

Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University’s Department of Political Science and Diplomacy stated, "It is not a matter of creating new laws or not. The existing Road Traffic Act can be applied," and criticized, "If provisions were added to the election law, the National Election Commission would have to enforce them, but they have many other tasks during the election period."

He added, "The police should not hesitate in exercising public authority and must enforce regulations. This is directly related to citizens' safety," and said, "The concern is about political misunderstandings, but if patrols are conducted and the rules are applied equally to all parties in the area, it would be a straightforward matter."