Man referred to prosecutors for providing meals to election campaign workers

The Busan Election Commission referred a man identified only as A to the Busan District Prosecutors' Office on Wednesday on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act by providing meals to associates of a candidate's campaign ahead of the ninth local elections.

The commission's investigation found that A gathered more than 10 people connected to candidate B's campaign — including B — and provided them with food and alcohol to encourage and boost their election efforts.

Under Article 115 of the Public Official Election Act, which restricts third-party donations, no one may make a contribution on behalf of a candidate in connection with an election. Article 230 of the same law, covering vote-buying and inducement offenses, provides for up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,700) for providing money or other benefits related to election campaigning.

The Busan Election Commission said it would thoroughly investigate and strictly punish serious election crimes, including illegal donations, and urged anyone who witnesses unlawful election activity to report it by calling 1390, toll-free.