Allegations that the government conducted illicit surveillance on civilians has emerged as the major issue for the two main parties in the general election.

The scandal’s impact is expected to be more conspicuous in Seoul, which embraces 45.5 percent of the nation’s constituencies as well as several of the most heated battle spots.

Though the responses from the parties differed, there is general agreement that the scandal will act to the disadvantage of the ruling Saenuri Party.

Though Cheong Wa Dae recently claimed that 80 percent of related documents were prepared under the former Roh Moo-hyun administration, most of the controversial dossiers detailing civilian surveillance were drawn up by the current government.

Observers noted that public fury over the scandal should boost the turnout of liberal voters.

“The consequences of the surveillance dispute may be up to 10 seats within the metropolitan area,” said an official of the ruling party.

The main opposition Democratic United Party seized the opportunity to step up its blame of the current government and the need for a transfer of power through the general and presidential elections.

“We urge the presidential office to disclose all related documents and let the people see the truth,” said Park Yong-jin, a spokesman for the DUP.

He also said that a public parliamentary hearing should be held after the April election, instead of an independent counsel being appointed as suggested by the ruling party on Monday.

“Both the presidential office and the ruling party should stop passing the buck to the previous administration, which only held legitimate inspections,” said the spokesperson.

However, the left-wing of the aisle were also bracing for the scandal to negatively impact them.

“An absolute majority of the people strongly resent the illicit surveillance scandal but will not necessarily vote for the opposition camp and its candidates,” said Rep. Park Sun-sook, head of the DUP’s election headquarters.

Some also predicted that the allegations may act in favor of right-wing leader Rep. Park Geun-hye, who has constantly sought to differentiate herself from the unpopular Lee regime.

“I, too, was a victim of the government’s illicit spying on civilians,” Park said on Sunday, rejecting the opposition claim that she was part of the administration’s plot.

Amid the ongoing dispute, party candidates in Seoul expressed anxiety about the potential influence on polls.

“With the elections close at hand, the blame game will do us no good,” said a Saenuri official.

“The government should stop turning the blame on the liberal camp and come up with detailed measures to eradicate irregularities and to settle the voters’ doubts.”

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)