Political Watchdog Demands Truth on Election Law Violations

The Political Watch in Korea demanded in a statement issued on August 26 that the Millennium Democratic Party should disclose details about accusations of undue influence exerted on the Prosecutors' Office regarding the investigation of elections law violations. The comment by the nonprofit citizens' coalition follows a statement made by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Millennium Democratic Party Yoon Chul-sang that some party officials avoided prosecution due to a top MDP member's influence.

The Political Watch pointed out that Yoon's comment served to reveal that the party was systemmatically involved in committing and covering up the use of black money during the elections campaign, and that the accounting instructions handed down from the party is an example of possible illegal actions.

The organization stated, "It makes no sense that the Prosecutors' Office is handling the matter." Adding, "We urge the appointment of an independent prosecutor or a similar measure to reveal the truth to the public and make sure the guilty parties are punished."

Meanwhile, the public information officer for the Prosecutors' Office Cha Dong-min strongly rejected the Millennium Democratic Party's statement in a press conference held on August 26 and demanded an explanation surrounding the source and motive behind it.

The Prosecutors' Office reiterated its claim that all cases of election law violations were handled equally and independently and that it will continue to maintain its independence in future political cases.

by Park Jae-hyun