The choices of voters in an election are influenced by various factors. Considering the probability of generalisation and familiarity to voters, public opinion polls and political activities of incumbent heads of local governments, when an election is imminent, are included in those factors. The Public Official Election Act stipulates some limits to prevent the abuse and unintentional impacts of polls and incumbents’ activities to support voters’ reasonable choices in the 5^th Nationwide Local Elections.

The NEC notified several forbidden activities stipulated by the election laws for the 5^th Nationwide Local Elections on April 3, 2010, 60 days prior to the election. The prohibited activities are: 1) conducting surveys with names of certain parties and candidates (including aspiring candidates) and with similar designs of ballot papers and 2) political activities of incumbents affecting the local elections.

From April 3, 2010 to the Election Day, no one is allowed to use names of certain parties and candidates when he or she conducts surveys on the local elections. This regulation aims to prevent parties and candidates’ tactful political activities to increase voters’ recognition of them by using surveys. However, polling companies or news media commissioned by parties and candidates are able to carry out surveys with some limits: Not allowed 1) to use the name of parties and candidates and 2) to deal with contents considered as election campaigns.

In addition, there are several prohibitions on incumbents’ political activities. Although an incumbent is a member of political party, his or her activities as the party member are restricted: Not allowed 1) to promote his or her party’s platforms; 2) to participate in events organised by his or her political party except ceremonies for foundation, mergence and reorganisation and party election for candidates; and 3) to visit election offices or organisations for election preparation.

Nevertheless, if an incumbent registers as a pre-candidate or candidate, he or she is allowed to promote party’s pledges and to participate in the above political activities related to party’s political activities during the official campaign period. Without considering his or her status as a party member, incumbents cannot hold or support events such as special lectures, public hearings, athletic meets etc. and take part in meetings of Tong/Ri/Ban, except natural disasters or urgent civil complaints, from April 3, 2010 to the Election Day.