Gwangju Election Commission Strengthens 'Illegal Activity Prevention Efforts' 180 Days Before Presidential Election

Prohibition on Installation of Facilities and Distribution of Printed Materials Displaying Party or Candidate Names from the 10th

Fine 50 Times the Amount for Receiving Holiday Gifts Such as Money or Food from Politicians

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Metropolitan City Election Commission announced on the 2nd that it will strengthen guidance and prevention activities against illegal acts ahead of the two major elections in 2022.

From the 10th, which is 180 days before the 20th presidential election day, until the election day (March 9, 2022), certain acts that influence the election will be restricted and prohibited.

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, the Gwangju Election Commission plans to actively inform prospective candidates and others about related laws and major violation cases.

Institutions, organizations, or facilities established or operated by political parties or candidates may not promote in the name of the party or candidate, or in a way that can infer such names, to inform election district residents about acts influencing the election or about the establishment or activities of those institutions or organizations.

Furthermore, no one may engage in acts that influence the election such as ▲installing or posting advertisements like signboards or banners ▲wearing or distributing badges or other identification ▲producing or selling symbols such as dolls or mascots representing candidates ▲distributing, attaching, screening, or posting printed or video materials containing content supporting, recommending, or opposing political parties or candidates, or displaying their names or titles.

Facilities such as street banners displaying the names or photos of prospective presidential candidates must be voluntarily removed by the 9th, which is the day before 180 days prior to the election day.

The Gwangju Election Commission will also strengthen crackdowns on major violations ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

Acts such as providing fruits or gifts to election district residents under the pretext of holiday greetings and conducting verbal election campaigns targeting many attendees at outdoor gatherings are prohibited. Additionally, election campaigning using telephones equipped with automatic transmission devices via computers is also banned.

However, ▲persons allowed to campaign may conduct election campaigns using text messages, internet homepages, or emails ▲greet attendees individually and conduct verbal campaigns at various events ▲conduct election campaigns through direct telephone conversations between sender and receiver.

The Election Commission will actively provide prior guidance to each political party, prospective candidates, local council members, local government heads, and related institutions and organizations, and will take strict measures such as filing complaints if illegal acts occur despite prior guidance.

Also, those who receive money or food will be fined between 10 to 50 times up to a maximum of 30 million KRW, but fines may be reduced depending on the case for those who voluntarily report themselves, and informants of illegal acts may receive rewards up to 500 million KRW.

A Gwangju Election Commission official said, “The reporting and reception system for election law violations will be maintained even during the Chuseok holiday,” and added, “If you discover illegal acts, please report them by calling 1390 from anywhere nationwide.”

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