The NEC announced that it ordered special prevention and enforcement on illegal election campaigns to local election commissions, as it expects that there is a high possibility of illegal election campaigns including distribution of money and meals by prospective candidates in order to promote themselves and expand the bedrock of their support with the National Assembly and presidential elections approaching.

In particular, the NEC has decided to conduct a strict enforcement, because following illegal activities are taking place: making a continuous visit to various family occasions or events and presenting money as a gift or contribution; holding large-scale ceremonies to mark the launching of election campaigns under the name of publication parties or mountaineering clubs; or holding launching ceremonies of various forums and letting a third party pay for expenses or distributing money and meals to participants.

First, election commissions will focus on prevention activities through visits and consultation with members of political parties, prospective candidates, various event coordinators, etc. Despite these measures, if they find out illegal activities including giving and receiving monetary goods, they will take stern measures against violations including accusing those who present monetary goods and charging administrative fine which is up to 50 times the amount violators received. In doing so, the NEC will raise awareness so that people would not expect any money or gift from candidates.

The NEC announced that the number of people who got charged for receiving meals or transportation regarding next year’s National Assembly and presidential elections is 157, and the administrative fine adds up to about 90 million won.

Meanwhile, the NEC plans to take a strict enforcement approach such as deploying Election Surveillance Unit, as it expects that distribution of monetary goods or pre-election campaigns will take place often during Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday, in the area where by-elections including the Seoul mayoral race will be held on 26^th October.  

The NEC asks voters to be cautious to avoid getting caught after receiving election-related money or meals (up to 50 times of money violators received will be charged as an administrative fine). In addition, report of such election law violation can be made by calling the NEC’s nationwide call line number 1390. The NEC stressed that reporters can be rewarded up to 500 million won and their identity will be protected.