election-related updates

- In the 17th presidential election, internet seems to play much less role than expected and Blogs and UCCs have been used as just one of tools for campaigning. ‘Internet politics’ and public opinions on the internet do not emerge as a powerful force.

One thing that is new in this election campaign is video footages posted by ‘tagalong blogers’ who follow after candidates on the campaign tour, recording vivid campaigning activities and posting them on their blogs.

Famous such blogs are ‘flytothemoon.kr’ for Moon Kuk-hyun, ‘dyrang.net’ for Chung Dong-yong, ‘bluedream.tistory.com’ for LMB, and ‘www.beautifulroad.kr’ for Kwon Young-kil.

- Chung Dong-young this morning asked for other candidates excluding LMB to join his plan to make the next government, if elected, into an ‘anti-corruption joint government.’ To public, he appealed to people against LMB to vote for him, saying that there are far more people who are against LMB, but ‘split votes’ are useless and LMB will get elected when people’s vote is split.

- Capitalizing on the LMB’s video footage made public yesterday in which he said he founded BBK, UNDP runs a campaign advertisement on major newspapers that says LBM should take the responsibility and resign as candidate. The advertisement says “we are concerned about the country. We can’t have the presidential election twice. Truth should defeat lie.

Meanwhile GNP counteracted by running a countering ad in newspapers in which LMB says “I don’t have nothing to feel ashamed of in front of people, and truth is only one. And truth does not change. Please stay with me for the government change. ”

- LMB had an emergency press briefing at the GNP headquarters and said he decided to allow ‘BBK special investigation’ to take place. He said “I didn’t oppose to a special investigation because I feared. I opposed (to it) because it was (politically) motivated. But I will accept it.”

- In the last round of TV debate, LMB was harshly attacked by all other candidates regarding the video clip in 2000. Audience rating was less than the last one, with around 10 per cent.

- National Election Commission plans to dispatch 189,000 people to each voting center for smooth running of voting.

- Lee Hoi-Chang argued LMB should resign as presidential candidate, mentioning the ‘BBK video footage,’ in which LMB said “I founded an asset management firm called BBK in January this year. I also obtained preliminary approval from the government for the establishment of a cyber securities firm to carry out work needed for the company.”

- Koh Hyun-Chul, Chairperson of National Election Commission, is to make a public announcement at 9:30 tomorrow morning to appeal for public participation in the vote. It will be nationally televised.

- Groups of 5.18 democratization movement related people announced their support for LMB on Dec 13.

- Oil-spill-struck areas are worried over a possible lack of volunteers on the Election Day. In Taean, 300 out or 650 public servants should supervise the election on the day. And 20,000 daily volunteers from nationwide might not come on that day.