The National Election Commission has reportedly determined that Han Duck-soo, a candidate for the presidential election, can register as a candidate by joining a political party during the candidate registration period without violating the Public Official Election Act.
Seo Ji-young, the spokesperson for the People Power Party, met with reporters at the National Assembly that day and noted, "I confirmed (whether it was a violation) with the Election Commission, and it is permissible for someone who is not a party member to join the party and register as a recommended candidate during the candidate registration period."
Seo said, "There are issues when changing party affiliation, but since this is acquiring a new party affiliation, I inform you that there is no problem in this case."
However, in some political and legal circles, controversy has arisen regarding Han's entry into the party, raising allegations of violations of the Public Official Election Act. Article 49, Section 6 of the election law stipulates, "If a person changes their party affiliation during the candidate registration period, they cannot be registered as a candidate for that election." Therefore, claims have emerged questioning the eligibility of Han Duck-soo, who joined the party on the day candidate registration began.
However, the Election Commission appears to have interpreted the relevant provision as limited to prohibiting changes in party affiliation during the candidate registration period.