The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office said Thursday around 170 elected candidates in this week’s general election may face questioning over illegal campaigning.

The probe might expand further by looking into any violations of the Public Official Elections Act by associates of the elected lawmakers such as their family members, campaign chiefs or accountants.

Prosecutors said that there were less number of reports made of illegal exchanges of money and gifts but there were more on false propaganda and manipulating public opinion.

They said the investigation will be accelerated so as to minimize any impact the results might have on 20th National Assembly such as nullifications of wins.

The court also said that they will swiftly process all indicted cases, such as by taking less than two months to make the first ruling.

Between the 17th and 19th general elections, a total of 35 lawmakers were stripped of their seats due to violations of election laws.

It took an average of 19.7 months for them to face the probe, be indicted, face trial and lose their lawmaker status.
 
(khnews@heraldcorp.com)