The official election campaign for the 21st presidential election began on 12th. Candidates who registered for the presidential election with the National Election Commission can campaign from this day until the day before the election, June 2, for a total of 22 days. Specifically, election campaigning is permitted for any general voter who is not under 18 years old or an official, foreigner, etc., except in cases restricted by the Public Official Election Act and other laws.
◇ Start of 22-day election campaign… Public speeches with amplification devices allowed
Starting today, full-scale street campaigning begins. Public speeches using amplification devices and vehicles for discussions, which have been prohibited until now, are allowed in public places. Candidates, election staff, and volunteers can also sing or perform dances to support the campaign, and promotional videos by party representatives are permitted.
However, speeches and discussions in public places are limited from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In particular, speeches and discussions using amplification devices can only occur from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Recording devices are allowed until 11 p.m. if they only output video without sound.
Candidates and their spouses (or one designated person if there is no spouse), direct descendants, and election staff accompanying the candidate can distribute candidate business cards. Posting banners is also allowed. However, facilities that promote the party's policies and political issues cannot be erected. Existing banners must be removed by the 11th.
◇ Newspaper·TV·Radio advertising, broadcast speeches also permitted
For newspaper advertisements, from today until two days before the election on June 1, a total of 70 times can be posted regarding the party's platform, policies, candidates' remarks, and matters necessary for political fundraising promotion. TV and radio advertisements can air for up to 30 times each until the day before the election, with each instance lasting no more than 1 minute. Candidate broadcast speeches can be given by the candidate and designated speakers for up to 20 minutes each, with 11 times on both TV and radio, according to Article 71 of the Public Official Election Act.
Promotional videos featuring party representatives, celebrities, or campaign staff singing logos and performing dances are also permitted. If portable amplification devices are used, campaigning is allowed from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
General voters can post support or opposition messages about candidates on internet portals, websites, and blogs, or campaign using email and mobile messengers. However, they must not release false facts or defame candidates and their families.
General voters can also participate as volunteers in the campaigns for political parties or candidates. However, they may not request or receive payments or reimbursements in return. In particular, general voters who are not election staff cannot use sashes, hats or clothing of the same shape and color, name badges, pickets, or other props for campaigning.
Results of public opinion surveys conducted from May 28, six days before the election, cannot be published or reported until the voting deadline. However, results of surveys conducted prior to that may be disclosed during that period, as long as the date and time of the survey are indicated. Furthermore, candidates cannot appear on programs other than those specified by the Public Official Election Act for broadcasting and reporting, nor can advertisements featuring the candidate as a model be aired.