Election Law Violators Reach 1,387

By Lee Tae-hoon

Staff Reporter

The number of election law breakers in 2010 has reached 1,387, as the June 2 local elections approach, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security reported Friday.

The figure is based on MOPAS's joint crackdown with the National Police Agency against campaign violators. It was carried out from January 1 to April 7.

On average, 14.3 people have been caught a day for election law violations during the 97-day period, down 4.9 percent from the same period ahead of the 2006 local elections.

Of the violators, 507 have been caught for accepting or giving gifts, money or other valuables; 246 for pre-election campaigning; 202 for the distribution of printed publicity materials; 111 for spreading false information; and 321 for other reasons.

Police are currently investigating two public servants for leaking personal information about Um Yong-su, the current mayor of Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province to a prospective candidate.

They are also probing a money-for-news-content deal, in which a reporter allegedly received 5 million won ($4,468) in return for publishing an article that outlined the career of a governor hopeful.

The upcoming local elections will choose 3,991 officials nationwide, including 16 mayors and provincial governors, 228 heads of lower administrative units, as well as 761 local councilors.

Prohibited activities, beginning April 3, two months prior to the June 2 election, include conducting surveys with the names of certain parties and candidates, and political activities of incumbents that would affect the outcome of the elections.

Incumbents are also banned from promoting their party's platforms, participating in events organized by their party except ceremonies for foundations, mergers and reorganization during the official campaign period.