Request for Investigation into Four Unidentified Individuals
The Yuseong District Election Commission in Daejeon announced that, in connection with the 21st presidential election, it has filed a complaint with the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office against 11 individuals, including an election liaison officer who provided meals to executives and voters from a specific candidate's campaign, and has requested an investigation into four others whose identities have not been confirmed.
Person A and Person B (heads of the election campaign) are accused of providing meals worth approximately 170,000 won to 13 executives and voters from a specific candidate's campaign during the election period, and distributing election campaign materials such as posters, brochures, and vests.
Additionally, Person C and Person D, who attended the meal gathering, are accused of posting 23 out of 36 election posters they received at 11 public locations, such as bus stops, the day after the meal.
The Public Official Election Act stipulates that no one may provide money, goods, or other benefits to voters for the purpose of being elected or helping someone to be elected, and, except in cases permitted by the Act, no one may provide or receive money, goods, or other benefits in connection with election campaigns.
The Act also stipulates that, from 120 days before election day until election day itself, no one may post printed materials such as posters displaying the name of a party or candidate, or supporting, recommending, or opposing a party or candidate, in order to influence the election.
An official from the Daejeon City Election Commission stated, "Acts of bribery, such as providing money or goods, distort voters' free decision-making and seriously undermine the order of fair elections," adding, "We plan to take strong and strict action by applying a zero-tolerance policy even after the election is over."
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