South Korea: Defence Ministry Calls for Political Impartiality Ahead of Presidential Election
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Synopsis
As the June 3 presidential election nears, South Korea's defence ministry emphasizes the need for military personnel to remain politically neutral and focused on their duties, banning participation in political activities and campaigns.
Key Takeaways
- Defence ministry mandates political neutrality for troops.
- Military personnel cannot join political groups.
- Election date set for June 3, following President Yoon's impeachment.
- Candidate registration begins, with campaigning starting May 12.
- New President will assume office immediately after election.
Seoul, April 17 (NationPress) The defence ministry of South Korea has instructed military personnel to uphold their political impartiality and concentrate on their responsibilities as the June 3 presidential election approaches, officials reported on Thursday.
According to the directive issued the day before, members of the military are prohibited from participating in or aligning with political organizations, including parties, and from expressing endorsements or opposition to specific parties and candidates.
This guideline, which also provides details about voting dates for service members, further prohibits them from imposing their political views on fellow military members or engaging in electioneering.
A ministry representative noted that similar directions have been issued during past electoral cycles, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The defence ministry has emphasized the necessity of political neutrality following revelations that some senior military officials were instrumental in the brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
Earlier this month, acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho directed commanders to effectively carry out planned operations and training while maintaining political neutrality, especially after the Constitutional Court's decision to remove South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The South Korean government has set June 3 as the date for the upcoming presidential election following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting just four days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment linked to his brief declaration of martial law in December.
As per the Constitution, a new election must occur within 60 days when there is a vacancy in the presidency.
The government has also declared June 3 as a temporary public holiday.
The National Election Commission commenced early candidate registration immediately after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday.
Candidates must register by May 11, with the official campaign period starting on May 12.
Additionally, public servants intending to run for President must resign at least 30 days prior to the election, setting the deadline at May 4.
The incoming President will take office immediately following the election without a transition team.
In a similar context, when former President Park Geun-hye was ousted on March 10, 2017, the subsequent election was conducted exactly 60 days later on May 9.
Meanwhile, Yoon, who ascended from being a top prosecutor to the presidency in roughly three years, became the second President in the nation’s history to be formally removed from office, as his unexpected martial law attempt unsettled the nation for months and heightened political divisions.
