By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The National Election Commission (NEC) has unveiled a set of new voting rules that will see voters having to fill in eight different ballot sheets when select representatives for local governments and councils, including governors and mayors.
The rules take effect from today ahead of the June 2 local polls.
To prevent voter confusion, the commission plans to use different colors for each sheet.
In 2006 elections, people cast six different votes. The additional two ballot sheets for this year's elections are for two representatives in the local office of education.
Under the new regulations, governors and mayors will also be prohibited from appearing in advertisements or commercials under any circumstances before the local elections.
Government officials who are planning to run for public offices must resign their current posts no later than March 4 ― 90 days before the elections.
Lawmakers or city council members who resign their current posts to run for another public office in the elections are prohibited from running in the by-election to fill the vacant seats caused by their resignations, should they fail to win.
Those who fail to submit documents regarding their assets, military service and tax payment records to the commission will be banned from running in the elections.
Candidates who miss a public debate hosted by the NEC without compelling reasons will be fined up to 4 million won (about $3,500).
Voters being paid by candidates for their votes will be punished as well. They will be fined up to 49 times the amount they received from the candidates.
Polling agencies conducting public opinion surveys must notify the NEC two days beforehand.
The measure was introduced to prevent candidates or campaign workers from illegally taking advantage of the surveys by using them as tools to mislead the public to vote for them, NEC officials said.