[The Public=Reporter Ahn Eun-hye] The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives said on the 25th that it held a rally to reinforce a culture of fair and honest elections ahead of the 4th nationwide simultaneous cooperative head elections, scheduled for March 3 next year.
On the 24th, cooperative heads from across the country gathered at the federation's regular general meeting and held a \"Pledge for Fair Elections\" rally, where they agreed to advance the initiative.
The rally followed a revision to the law governing entrusted elections that extended the period restricting donation-related activities from 180 days before the end of a term to 1 year. The change is intended to curb illegal activity from the start of campaigns and to activate oversight mechanisms for fair elections earlier.
At the rally, cooperative heads pledged to eliminate illegal election practices, including cash gifts and hospitality, and to establish a policy-centered election culture that promotes member unity and supports cooperative development.
The nationwide simultaneous cooperative head elections are held concurrently across fisheries cooperatives, agricultural and livestock cooperatives, and forestry cooperatives. With active member participation, these elections have become the primary forum for selecting local leaders and new cooperative heads.
