"Examining Unique Election Promises: 'Erasing Criminal Records' and the 'Left-Handers Basic Act'"

On the afternoon of the 31st of last month, an official from the National Election Commission was examining printed ballot papers for the April 15 general election at a printing shop in Dalseo-gu, Daegu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the official election campaigns of candidates kick off ahead of the April 15 general election, unique party-level pledges are pouring out. These range from lifestyle-oriented pledges promising to take responsibility for the health of the people to somewhat absurd pledges to erase the criminal records of offenders except murderers.

On the 2nd, there are a total of 51 parties registered with the National Election Commission. Compared to the 20th general election, the number of parties aiming to enter the National Assembly has increased. Each party is trying to attract voters' attention through unique pledges.

The Democratic Party of Korea presented the "National Health Incentive System" as its 4th pledge for the general election. This system involves awarding "health points" to citizens who achieve target levels related to Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, and blood sugar. The points can be used to purchase health foods and exercise equipment.

The United Future Party proposed a pledge for left-handed people. The core of the pledge is to enact the "Left-Handed Basic Act," designate August 13 as Left-Handers' Day annually, and work to improve awareness about left-handed people.

Minor parties have put forward somewhat absurd pledges. The People's Participation Party proposed erasing the criminal records of all citizens except for murderers to promote national unity. The Minjung Party pledged to abolish Seoul National University to establish an integrated network of national and public universities, and the Green Party announced a pledge to regulate the act of cooking animals alive to guarantee animal rights.

There are also parties advocating the introduction of a national basic income. The Basic Income Party pledged to provide an unconditional monthly basic income of 600,000 won to all citizens. The National Revolutionary Dividend Party also announced it would pay a monthly national dividend of 1.5 million won per person starting from age 20.

In addition, politically charged pledges drew attention. The Our Republican Party pledged to push for a special investigation into illegal corruption and judicial obstruction by the Moon Jae-in administration, along with the acquittal and release of former President Park Geun-hye and an investigation into the illegality of her impeachment. The Pro-Park New Party also set "Protecting Liberal Democracy and Opposing Constitutional Amendment" as its number one pledge, proposing policy implementation methods such as the "Movement to Correct the Wrongful Impeachment of Former President Park Geun-hye."

Regarding the parties' flashy pledges, there are criticisms of populist politics. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "'You have to stand out to survive.' Since there are so many parties, they put forward flashy pledges to attract voters' attention."

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