Cho Kuk "I will file a constitutional complaint against the current Public Official Election Act"

"Proportional Representation Candidates Cannot Campaign"
"Law Must Be Amended to Fit Mixed-Member Proportional System"

Jo Guk, leader of the Jo Guk Innovation Party, stated, "The current Public Official Election Act excessively restricts election campaigns for parties that only field proportional representation candidates," and announced plans to file a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court regarding the relevant legal provisions.

On the morning of the 2nd, Jo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office, saying, "The Jo Guk Innovation Party was founded on the 3rd of last month and nominated only 25 proportional representation candidates," and added, "The current election law defines the subject of election campaigns for proportional representation candidates not as the individual candidates but as the 'party that nominated the candidates'." He continued, "We intend to seek the Constitutional Court's judgment on whether the current election law violates the Constitution."

Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, is entering the National Assembly on the 2nd for a press conference related to the constitutional complaint against the unconstitutional law restricting proportional representation election campaigns. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He said, "While constituency candidates for the National Assembly can campaign freely, parties that only field proportional representation candidates cannot," explaining, "This is why, when I meet voters, I can only conduct a campaign that is not a campaign by speaking directly and answering reporters' questions." He then mentioned, "I will explain nine things that proportional representation candidates cannot do," and pointed out the following issues: ▲ No use of campaign vehicles, logo songs, or microphones ▲ No rhythmic movements by campaign workers ▲ No speeches or debates in public places ▲ No posting of placards or posters ▲ No installation of campaign equipment ▲ No appointment of election office personnel.

Furthermore, he argued, "Since the 21st general election, the proportional representation system has changed from a parallel system to a mixed-member proportional system," and "New parties focused on policy, which mainly address nationwide policies, have established their distinctiveness." He added, "Regulations on election campaign methods under the election law should also be improved to reflect the essential changes in the proportional representation system."

After the press conference, when asked by reporters whether proportional parties might cause a proliferation of election campaigns since they are not limited by constituencies, he replied, "The principle is that election campaigns should be conducted without restrictions." He continued, "If the Jo Guk Innovation Party uses microphones and campaign vehicles, can that be called 'proliferation'?" and said, "I cannot give speeches, but if I were to speak, I do not agree that it would be considered proliferation."