The Election Commission Prohibits Ordinary Citizens from Posting Banners Saying ‘Lee Jae-myung Gate’ and ‘Mudang Gonghwaguk’

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Banners bearing phrases such as "Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province, demand a thorough investigation of the Daejang-dong gate?Who owns Hwacheon Daeyu?" or "We oppose the shaman republic, Shincheonji nation, and prosecutor government" have been concluded to be not allowed for posting by ordinary citizens.

On the 19th, the Central Election Commission released a statement saying, "(In the above cases) the candidate is specified, which can be seen as a violation of Article 90 of the Public Official Election Act." This means that ordinary citizens, who are not political parties, cannot hang banners with such phrases during the official election campaign period. According to the Public Official Election Act, phrases that imply a specific candidate and include opposition to that candidate are restricted because they may influence the election. However, political parties may hang such banners if they attach the official mark issued by the local district or city election commission.

The Election Commission also concluded that banners such as one with a mosaic image of Kim Gun-hee, spouse of Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party candidate, stating "We cannot turn the Blue House into a shaman’s altar," and another stating "'I designed this' Seongnam Mayor’s greatest achievement?! The real owner of 'Hwacheon Daeyu' is known by the people" are not allowed. This is because they imply Yoon candidate and Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, respectively.

On the other hand, banners with phrases like "The one who refuses a special prosecutor is the culprit" are considered permissible. Banners stating "Demand a thorough investigation of the Seongnam Daejang-dong development preferential treatment suspicion?Who owns 'Hwacheon Daeyu'?" are also allowed. This is because Lee’s name is not directly mentioned, and there are no expressions that immediately evoke specific candidates.

However, criticism has been mounting, especially from opposition parties, that the criteria for judging banners are unclear. The difference between permissible and impermissible phrases is not significant, and the standards are inconsistent. The Election Commission stated, "Restrictions are applied only when the name of a political party or candidate is specified, so that the purpose of the law and freedom of political expression can be harmoniously realized." It added, "These standards are applied fairly and consistently regardless of the target, whether from the ruling or opposition parties."

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