On occasion of the Chuseok national holiday, the National Election Commission(NEC) set a special period from Sep. 13 to Oct. 2 for intensifying monitoring and crackdown activities on election law violations.

According to the election law, politicians are prohibited from making any form of contributions to voters all around the year, regardless of whether an election is held or not. Furthermore, even the voters who receive money, treatment, or any other valuable things from them shall be imposed on fines for negligence at the maximum of fifty times the amount they received.

The NEC expects that incumbent politicians and anticipating candidates for the by-elections to be held on October 27th may avail themselves of this holiday season by providing illegal contributions to voters under the guise of celebrating the holiday.

To prevent illegal activities, the NEC has guided politicians and their political parties on restrictions and forbidden activities under the law through various channels including meetings, official documents, and e-mails.

In addition to the guidance, the NEC will intensify its monitoring and crackdown on illegal activities during this special period and take stern measures under the law against uncovered election law violations. It will keep a close eye on election irregularities under the name of seasonal customs, charity, donation, and celebration of Chuseok.

The NEC emphasizes the role of its citizens to make the environment of free and fair election. If anyone knows illegal activities committed or to be committed inside the community, he or she is encouraged to report the cases to the relevant Election Commissions by calling 1588-3939 nationwide. There is monetary reward up to 500 million Korean won for those who report election irregularities.