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Busan Metropolitan City Audit Committee to Conduct Special Inspection Ahead of the 9th Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that its Audit Committee will conduct special inspections through June 2 in preparation for the 9th Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections to ensure strict political neutrality among public officials and to establish discipline within the public service.

A joint inspection team composed of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the City Audit Committee will begin phased inspections in line with the election schedule, targeting the city headquarters, affiliated agencies, business offices, 16 districts and counties, and related organizations. The inspections will focus on cases of weakened public service discipline, including violations of political neutrality, breaches of duty, and conduct damaging to the dignity of public officials.

Inspection Plan by Election Schedule
■ March 23, 2026 – 60 days before election day (April 3, 2026)
▪ Focus: Intensive inspection of disorderly conduct in public service discipline, including duty violations taking advantage of the election atmosphere

■ 59 days before election day (April 4, 2026) – 20 days before election day (May 14, 2026)
▪ Focus: Following the start of the prohibition period on actions influencing elections by heads of local governments (April 4, 2026), intensive inspection of violations such as promoting the achievements of specific party candidates, supporting or criticizing specific candidates via social media, and posting comments

■ 19 days before election day (May 15, 2026) – the day before election day (June 2, 2026)
▪ Focus: After candidate registration for local elections (May 14–15) and the start of official campaigning (May 21), intensive inspection of violations of election law, including attendance at political events and involvement in election campaigns using one’s official position or job-related authority

This special inspection will be carried out in three main areas. First, it will intensively examine whether public officials have violated their duty of political neutrality, focusing on actions that undermine neutrality such as expressing support or opposition to specific political parties or candidates, posting or sharing election-related content, and participating in campaign activities. Second, it will review the status of compliance with public service duty management, including performing personal tasks during working hours, unauthorized absence from the workplace, and negligence of duties. Third, a zero-tolerance principle will be applied to acts that undermine public service discipline, with strict accountability for ethical violations such as receiving money or valuables, drunk driving, and conduct damaging to dignity.

In this regard, the city plans to hold a meeting with relevant organizations, including city, district, county, and affiliated agencies, on March 31 to share details of the special inspection ahead of the local elections. Each organization will also strengthen its own internal inspections to prevent violations of election laws and duty regulations in advance.

Yun Hee-yeon, Chair of the Busan Metropolitan City Audit Committee, stated, “As we approach local elections to elect the heads of local governments, the political neutrality and integrity of public officials are more important than ever,” adding, “During this period when discipline among public officials may become lax, we will intensively inspect violations of election laws and misconduct to establish public service discipline and contribute to creating a fair election environment.”