The official presidential election campaign will begin on Monday.(Image from the NEC webpage)
SEOUL, May 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Official presidential election campaigning will begin next week, the National Election Commission (NEC) said Friday, with just over three weeks remaining until South Korea chooses a new leader to replace former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid.
The campaigning will begin Monday and run through June 2, a day before voters head to the polls. During this time, candidates, their campaign teams and immediate family members will be permitted to engage in electioneering activities in accordance with the election law, the NEC said.
They are allowed to give speeches in public places between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., distribute leaflets and other campaign materials, and put up campaign banners.
Candidates’ parties, however, are prohibited from promoting party platforms or discussing political issues at public facilities. All existing campaign banners must be removed by Sunday.
Campaigning via text message is permitted but limited to eight messages per candidate over the period. Voluntary campaigners are not allowed to receive compensation for their participation.
The NEC plans to display presidential candidates’ official campaign posters at approximately 80,000 designated locations nationwide. It will also distribute around 26 million booklet-style campaign materials and 25 million leaflets to households across the country.
Voters can also access the top 10 policy pledges and campaign platforms of each candidate on the NEC’s official election website.
The NEC plans to accept presidential candidate registrations on May 10 and 11 and will assign official candidate numbers thereafter.
(Yonhap)
