Statute of Limitations for Nomination Bribery Extended from 6 Months to 5 Years... People Power Party's Cho Ji-Yeon Proposes Election Act Amendment

Ji-Yeon Cho, a member of the People Power Party representing Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, sponsored an amendment to the Public Official Election Act on March 5, aiming to extend the statute of limitations for nomination bribery crimes from the current 6 months to 5 years. This is the second bill in a 'series of legislative measures' to eradicate nomination bribery, following last month's proposal to strengthen punishment for nomination bribery crimes and to extend the period of ineligibility for candidacy.

Under current law, the statute of limitations for offenses stipulated in the Public Official Election Act, including nomination bribery, is set at six months after the election day.

George Yeon, Member of the People Power Party

However, due to the nature of nomination bribery crimes, there have been ongoing concerns that it is practically impossible to secure evidence and complete prosecution within six months. The statute of limitations for election-related offenses has remained unchanged for over 30 years since the Public Official Election Act was enacted in 1994.

Accordingly, the proposed amendment seeks to significantly extend the statute of limitations for violations involving the receipt of money or valuables related to party candidate nominations to five years, with the aim of eradicating illegal transactions occurring during the nomination process.

Previously, on February 24, Assemblywoman Cho sponsored an amendment to the Public Official Election Act that would increase the punishment for nomination bribery to imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of between 20 million won and 70 million won, and impose a 20-year restriction on candidacy for those sentenced to a fine, probation, or imprisonment.

Assemblywoman Cho stated, "This amendment is an extension of the Public Official Election Act amendment I proposed last month. I will do my utmost to ensure that the legislative efforts to eradicate nomination bribery are swiftly passed in the National Assembly."

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