State auditor to check political neutrality of public officials in election period

SEOUL, The state audit agency said Tuesday that it will conduct an inspection into public officials to ensure they maintain political neutrality before and after the April 10 parliamentary elections. A total of 32 officials from the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) will examine the discipline of government officials in central administrative agencies, local governments, as well as their affiliated organizations for a 20-day period starting Wednesday. "The agency will focus on checking acts of political neutrality violation by public officials, such as expressing support or opposition for specific candidates," the BAI said in a press release. The BAI also said that it will investigate other forms of work-related negligence by civil servants. The agency emphasized that it will take strict action against violators in accordance with relevant regulations. Source: Yonhap News Agency