"Yeo-ya, Consensus on Legislative Intent in the 21st National Assembly"
Democratic Party May Have to Repay 43.4 Billion Won in Election Expenses
The People Power Party announced that it will improve the behavior of election offenders who have not properly returned election reimbursement costs and other public funds through supplementary legislation.
On the 14th, Choo Kyung-ho, a member of the People Power Party, is looking at a protest sign condemning the Democratic Party of Korea during the plenary session held at the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the 19th, Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, said at a floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, "We will fundamentally improve the behavior of election offenders who do not return public funds," adding, "The People Power Party will prepare legal measures to ensure the effectiveness of the return of deposits and election reimbursement costs."
He continued, "According to the Public Official Election Act, if a sentence corresponding to disqualification from election is confirmed after election cost reimbursement, the reimbursed costs from the state or local government must be returned," emphasizing, "However, since the 17th general election in 2004 until now, the amount not recovered despite orders to return election reimbursement costs amounts to 20.618 billion KRW."
Floor leader Choo said, "Supplementary legislation is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of returning public funds that were misused," explaining, "Although the related law was discarded due to the expiration of the term in the 21st National Assembly, a consensus on the legislative intent was formed as lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties each introduced a bill."
The People Power Party's legislative will regarding election cost reimbursement appears to be related to the recent sentencing of Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. According to the Public Official Election Act, if a presidential candidate receives more than 15% of the vote, the state reimburses the entire election cost. Lee received 47.83% in the 20th presidential election and was reimbursed the full amount of 43.1 billion KRW. Including the 300 million KRW deposit he paid when registering as a candidate, he received a total of 43.4 billion KRW.
On the 15th, Lee was sentenced in the first trial to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence for violating the Public Official Election Act, putting him in a position where he must return 43.4 billion KRW. If the disqualification sentence is finally confirmed, the recommending party must return the reimbursed amount. If the Supreme Court confirms the verdict, Lee will lose his parliamentary seat and be disqualified from running for office for 10 years.
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