= Anybody can apply for a copy, view or raise an objection over the next three months =

On July 20, the National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea disclosed the details of the income and expenditure of political funds submitted to the relevant election commissions by political parties and candidates who participated in the 7th nationwide simultaneous local elections and by and re-elections for National Assembly members.

The total campaign expenses during these elections reached 461 billion Korean won ($408 million USD).

The total campaign expenses for candidates running in mayoral or gubernatorial elections totaled 54.1 billion Korean won ($47.8 million USD), with an average of 760 million Korean won ($672,000 USD) spent per candidate.

In the case of elections for superintendents of education, a total of 67.7 billion Korean won ($53.7 million USD) was spent at an average of 1.11 billion Korean won ($980,000 USD) spent per candidate.

When compared with the total campaign expenses for candidates during the 6th nationwide simultaneous local elections (46.9 billion Korean won for mayoral and gubernatorial elections and 72.9 billion Korean won for superintendents of education), there was an increase in spending by mayoral and gubernatorial candidates and a decrease in spending by candidates in elections for superintendents of education. 

In re and by-elections for National Assembly members, a total of 5.13 billion Korea won ($4.5 million USD) was spent on campaign expenses, and the average amount per candidate was about 110 million Korean won ($100,000 USD).

The NEC announced that ‘anyone can apply for a copy or view the income and expenses submitted by political parties and candidates through the NEC from July 20 to October 22.’ In particular, the campaign expenses of political funds of political parties and candidates will be disclosed on the NEC website.

Meanwhile, the NEC have organized task forces at the Si/Do and Gu/Si/Gun Election Commissions that have been running since late June to investigate the legitimacy of the accounting reports and reimbursement claims made by candidates.

The NEC plans to thoroughly check campaign expenses, which are covered by state and regional budgets, through written review and by undertaking due diligence to prevent fraudulent reimbursements.  

In addition, the NEC will stern measures upon the discovery of any illegal activities including reduced or missing campaign expenses, taking rebates through backhand contracts with companies, and spending on political funds and irregularities. 

The NEC calls for citizens’ interest and cooperation in viewing, reporting and proving information regarding political fund account reports to help establish a clean election culture since anyone may file objections regarding the details of the income and expenditure of political funds submitted by political parties and candidates