Democratic Party removes 'punishment for disseminating false information' clause from referendum law just before submission of amendment
The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to remove a clause punishing the dissemination of false information regarding early voting and referendums from the referendum law amendment submitted to the National Assembly.
On the 28th, the Democratic Party of Korea took a significant step by deciding to remove a controversial clause from a referendum law amendment that would have imposed penalties for spreading false information about early voting, referendums, and vote counting. This decision was made just before the amendment was to be presented in a National Assembly session. Park Seung-ah, the party's spokesperson, indicated that the amendment would be submitted with modifications, highlighting the party's responsiveness to evolving political considerations.
The specific clause proposed to punish individuals who consistently disseminate false information about early voting and referendums with prison terms of up to ten years or substantial fines, which had raised significant concern among opposition parties. Criticism came predominantly from the People Power Party, which argued that such a provision was an attempt to stifle public criticism and limit free speech under the guise of law. In light of these accusations, the Democratic Party re-evaluated the legality and appropriateness of the clause before proceeding to its final form.
Moving forward, the Democratic Party plans to ensure that any necessary provisions regarding the handling of false information are instead included in the public election law, rather than the referendum law, to avoid potential legal implications. This decision reflects a broader strategy to address political dissent while maintaining electoral integrity and accountability within the election management framework, thereby signaling a careful balancing act within the legislative environment.