According to the National Election Commission, campaign spending limit has been set for 6^th Nationwide Local Elections to be held on June 4.

Campaign spending is limited to KRW 41.7 billion for Governor’s election in Gyeonggi-do, the most populated Do. It is the largest amount among Si/Do Governor’s elections. Seoul Mayor’s election comes next on which KRW 37.3 billion can be spent. The minimum amount has been set for the head of Sejong Special Autonomic City and the candidates running for this election are only allowed to spend KRW 250 million.

Average campaign spending is limited to KRW 14.6 bil. for Si/Do Governor’s election, which has been reduced by KRW 100 million compared to 5^th Local Elections (KRW 15.6 billion).

5^th Local Elections were conducted in 16 Si/Dos, where the fluctuation rate of national consumer price index (11%) was reflected. 6^th Local Elections are going to be held in 17 Si/Dos and the fluctuation rate of national CPI (7.9%) has been applied.

The number of population in the relevant region and the fluctuation rate of national consumer price index for 4 years shall feed into campaign spending limit for each local election.

The criteria for determining campaign spending limit for elections of Superintendents of Education are the same as those for Si/Do Governor’s elections. Accordingly, the maximum amount that can be spent on elections shall also be the same.

Average campaign spending is limited to KRW 160 million for elections for heads of Gu/Si/Gun governments. The largest amount is allowed for an election for the head of Changwon-si (KRW 390 mil.), while the least amount is allowed for an election for the head of Uleung-gun (KRW 130 mil.).

Looking at campaign spending limits for other elections, average campaign spending is limited to KRW 52 mil. for elections of Si/Do council members, KRW 44 mil. for elections of Gu/Si/Gun council members, KRW 206 mil. for proportional representation elections of Si/Do council members and KRW 50 mil. for proportional representation elections of Gu/Si/Gun council members. 

Campaign spending refers to the money, goods, liabilities and anything valuable as properties used for election campaign that will be borne by candidates (including prospective candidates. Political parties in the case of proportional representation elections for the National Assembly members).

According to the Public Official Election Act, however, campaign spending does not include expenses incurred for arranging election campaigns such as deposits made with the EC upon the registration of candidates, spending by independent candidates on asking voters for recommendation, etc. or costs for establishing and maintaining election campaign offices.

In accordance with the constitution, every candidate is given an equal opportunity for election campaign and elections are public-financed. Candidates shall therefore be reimbursed for campaign spending by the State based on certain standards.

Once a candidate claims reimbursement for campaign spending, the Election Commission scrutinizes whether the claim is legitimate and then makes reimbursement.

A candidate who has been elected or has gained more than 15/100 of the total valid votes shall be reimbursed for the entire amount of campaign spending up to the limit prescribed by the election law. Those who have gained more than 10/100 but less than 15/100 shall be reimbursed for the half of campaign spending. Meanwhile, if a candidate on the party list for proportional representation elections is elected, the relevant party shall be reimbursed for the entire amount of campaign spending.

The NEC is planning to oblige the submission of objective documents such as photos to prove actual spending as well as evidence documents including receipts, agreements, etc. to prevent false claims for reimbursement. The NEC is determined not to reimburse campaign spending unless the requirements are met.

In addition, the “Political Funds Disclosure System” is going to be set up on the NEC website to encourage candidates to voluntarily make campaign spending public. Reimbursement will be made for campaign spending made public through the Internet without any field investigation unless there is any objection or counterevidence against it. This is to enhance transparency in campaign spending.