Ahn Cheol-soo, Election Commission Warns Over Ad Urging Opposition Unity... "Is This a Dictatorship?"

by Na Juseok

Published 21 Mar.2021 14:15(KST)

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is holding a press conference on the 19th at the National Assembly Communication Hall regarding the "unification with Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor." Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, issued a warning to the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission, mentioning a "dictatorship." He demanded the commission stop its investigation after it began probing an anonymous newspaper advertisement urging the unification of opposition candidates.

On the 21st, Ahn stated on social media, "The citizen who posted a heartfelt appeal out of pure patriotic passion and love for the country is suffering," referring to "the citizen who placed an ad urging opposition candidate unification in a daily newspaper, wishing to live happily in the Republic of Korea."

He added, "Since a former special advisor to the presidential campaign was appointed as a standing member of the Election Commission under this administration, public distrust in the commission's neutrality has become severe," and argued, "Investigating the message from the citizen who, without any electioneering intent, called for political awakening out of patriotism and concern is not only contrary to the purpose of election law but also further endangers the already doubted neutrality of the Election Commission."

Ahn said, "While ignoring numerous acts of defamation and fake news spread by opposition politicians online, it is unjust to take issue with such innocent actions," and emphasized, "The authority of the referee comes from fairness, and that fairness is created by oneself, not by anyone else."