The election watchdog has decided that separate comments made by the home affairs minister and the finance minister, allegedly in favor of the ruling party, did not violate election laws.

The National Election Commission reached the decision for Minister of Security and Public Administration Chong Jong-sup and Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan during its plenary meeting on Monday.

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy had asked the commission to determine whether the recent comments were in breach of the Public Official Election Act.

Separately, the NPAD submitted an impeachment motion against Han to the National Assembly on Monday for violating his duty of maintaining political neutrality as a civil servant.

On Aug. 25, Chong made a controversial toast during a dinner with lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party. He allegedly asked the participants to shout, "Victory at any cost," in tandem with him chanting, "General elections."

Choi also delivered a speech on the same day. He allegedly said that he will do his best to boost the country's economy to help the party ahead of the general elections in April.

The opposition party claimed their comments violate national election laws that call for, among other things, the neutrality of public officials.

"I respect the decision of the NEC, and the Ministry of Security and Public Administration will maintain neutrality in elections and follow the relevant law," Chong said in a press release following the watchdog's decision.

The parliament can initiate an impeachment motion against a Cabinet minister if one-third of the lawmakers endorse it. The impeachment proceedings would be referred to the Constitutional Court for a final ruling if half of the 298-strong National Assembly votes in favor.

The opposition party has 129 seats while the ruling party commands a parliamentary majority with 159 seats. (Yonhap)