Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Respects Election Commission's Decision on 'Mock Classes'... Must Prevent Election Campaigning in Schools

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has expressed its intention to respect the decision of the Central Election Commission regarding the controversial 'school mock election classes.' At the same time, the Office of Education has requested the Election Commission to "prohibit election campaigning within schools."

On the 21st, Seoul Superintendent of Education Cho Hee-yeon explained in a statement, "We will respect the Election Commission's decision to review whether to allow (mock election classes) and proceed with the mock elections in consultation with the Election Commission."

The Seoul Office of Education planned to conduct a mock election project class at about 40 elementary, middle, and high schools in the district in line with the general election in April, and has been carrying out related procedures such as budget allocation and preparation of lesson plans. In response, the Election Commission announced on the 19th, "We will decide whether to allow mock elections organized by government agencies such as the Office of Education after legal review."

Previously, during the 2018 local elections, the Seoul Election Commission allowed mock election classes organized by the nonprofit organization Jinggeomdari Education Community. On the condition that the mock election results would not be disclosed until the actual election results were announced, it was regarded as a kind of public opinion poll. The Office of Education judged that there would be no problem in conducting mock election classes by referring to this precedent.

Superintendent Cho also stated, "Apart from the mock election classes, there is a realistic concern that excessive election campaigning by candidates may infringe on the learning rights of teachers and students," and added, "I think it is necessary to consider appropriate restrictions on election campaigning within schools."

Referring to past examples from the Election Commission's case guidebook and Supreme Court precedents, he said, "It is basically judged that election candidates visiting schools to campaign is not possible," effectively requesting the Election Commission to restrict election campaigning within schools.

He argued, "If there are no restrictions on election campaigning within schools, schools will suffer from complaints from candidates and supporters, and faculty and students may inadvertently violate election laws," and emphasized, "Since this is the period when graduation and entrance ceremonies take place consecutively, the Election Commission should prepare guidelines as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.