The National Election Commission has released the information on activities that will be restricted and prohibited from December 6, 180 days before the 6^th local elections scheduled for June 4, 2014, in compliance with the Public Official Election Act.

According to the Public Official Election Act, certain activities that may affect the result of election are restricted or prohibited from 180 days before Election Day to guarantee each candidate an equal opportunity for election campaign and to prevent illegal election campaign from damaging fairness in election.

In accordance with the Public Official Election Act, the head of local governments shall not

l  Publish or distribute PR materials for the purpose of publicizing project plans,  performance records or the progress of activities of local governments;

l  Attend lectures given by local community centers; or

l  Attend any events other than ones hosted by public organizations during working hours (Article 86, Clauses 5 & 6 of the Public Official Election Act).

In addition, from 180 days before Election Day until Election Day for the purpose of affecting the result of election, no one shall

l  Install or put up banners, advertising towers, etc.;

l  Wear or distribute indicating materials including name tags;

l  Produce or sell materials such as dolls and mascots that symbolize candidates; or

l  Disseminate, show or post ads, notices, photos, voice/image recordings, print outs, posters, etc. that are for/against specific political parties/candidates or that show titles/names of political parties/candidates. (Articles 90 & 93 of the Public Official Election Act)

Furthermore, anyone other than political parties, the media and the survey research institutes entrusted by the third person shall inform the relevant election commission in writing of the purpose of a survey, the size of samples, etc. by 2 days before the day the survey is carried out if he/she wishes to conduct a survey on poll ratings for political parties and favorites to win from 180 days before Election Day until the closing of polls. (Articles 108, Clause 3 of the Public Official Election Act)

According to the NEC, those who are not aware of the Public Official Election Act may suffer disadvantages as it restricts and prohibits some activities during certain periods. It is therefore requested that extra care be taken to avoid any disadvantage, such as by inquiring about relevant regulations in advance.

Those who have any inquiry on election are kindly advised to contact the NEC on 1390 or visit the website http://law.nec.go.kr.