Election Commission Prepares for Disturbances... Groups Alleging Election Fraud Plan Protests in Front of Early Voting Stations

[Financial News]  It has been reported that some groups alleging election fraud plan to film videos and protest at the early voting sites on the 29th and 30th.

The Central Election Commission stated on the 28th that groups such as Clean Election Citizen Action and the Korea Right Establishment Movement Headquarters have reported to the police their plans to monitor early voting activities within 100m of early voting stations in areas such as Gangnam and Gangdong in Seoul, and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province.

They are reportedly planning to count the number of early voters or film videos of early voting while displaying signs that say 'National Monitoring of Early Voting Stations'. There are also places where they have announced one-person protests holding placards that say 'No to Early Voting to Eradicate Election Fraud'.

In response, the Election Commission stated, "Campaigns or gatherings opposing or defaming early voting within 100m of early voting stations can psychologically affect voters, causing difficulties or hindrances to voting," and "This can be punished as 'acts of obstructing the freedom of elections' under the Public Official Election Act."

They further explained, "Even in cases of disorderly conduct within 100m of early voting stations, actions will be taken according to election law."

According to election law, if there is any disorderly conduct inside polling stations or within 100m, or if someone supports or opposes a specific party or candidate, the voting manager or voting clerk can restrain or remove them. If they do not comply, the Election Commission can request assistance from the police.

On the previous day, the Election Commission filed a complaint with the police against the 'Election Fraud Corruption Prevention Group' and its representative, independent presidential candidate Hwang Kyo-ahn, for violating election law by obstructing election duties and threatening early voting managers.

Additionally, in preparation for disturbances such as voting interference and intrusion into polling stations by groups or individuals alleging election fraud ahead of this presidential election, the Election Commission has requested the National Police Agency to station police at major polling stations for order maintenance cooperation.


y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter