The election watchdog issued a rare rebuke to the finance ministry Thursday for violating its duty to remain neutral in the lead-up to next week’s general elections, after the ministry announced a critical review of welfare promises from political parties.

The National Election Commission said the ministry’s highlighting of the negative side of campaign pledges could distort election outcomes by unfairly influencing voters just seven days before the elections. It urged the ministry to abide by its obligation to remain neutral ahead of the polls.

It is the first time the NEC has issued such a rebuke to a government agency.

“Election campaigning should be carried out in a free and fair manner, and free competition among political parties should not be distorted by government intervention,” the watchdog said. “During an election period, state agencies have an obligation to refrain as much as possible from all acts that could affect elections.”

On Wednesday, the finance ministry announced that its review of 266 welfare-related campaign promises of the ruling Saenuri and the main opposition Democratic United parties showed they would cost the nation at least 360 trillion won ($319 billion) over the next five years.

The announcement was aimed at sounding alarm bells about political parties going too far in trying to win over voters with populist promises of welfare policies. The government says it could deal a serious blow to government finances and end up a heavy burden to future generations.

The ministry issued a similar warning in February. 

(Yonhap News)