The head of South Korea’s national election office pledged Monday to supervise the Dec. 19 presidential election in a fair and impartial manner, and warned swift actions against any violations.

In the statement released a day before the start of formal campaigning, National Election Commission (NEC) chairman Kim Nung-hwan made clear no favors will be given in the administration of the state agency’s duties.

He stressed that resolute measures will be taken against any person or group that breaks the law.

“The county’s future cannot be left in the hands of a person who disregards the law,” he stressed, adding that the public is in the best position to judge if such violations take place.

“It is up to the people to cast ballots based on his or her judgment, and I urge everyone of you to exercise your rights,” he said.

Kim said that bribery, using unauthorized methods to sway votes, and spreading lies about a candidate all violate the country’s election law.

“It is imperative that parties and presidential candidates engage in fair campaigning and try to win the hearts and minds of the people by offering good policies,” the official said.

He added that candidates and political parties must respect the role of the NEC to manage the election process.

The chairman, in addition, said that all public servants from the president down must adhere to strict neutrality rules in the election that can affect the views of voters.

Under South Korean law, government policymakers, including all elected officials, must maintain strict neutrality in any election, although ordinary citizen can volunteer to support a candidate.

Meanwhile, starting on Tuesday, all registered candidates can freely put up posters and billboards, place advertisements and use the Internet to ask for support.

Park Geun-hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and the main opposition Democratic United Party’s contender Moon Jae-in registered their respective bids with the NEC to become the country’s next president on Sunday. 

(Yonhap News)