South Korea's national election watchdog decided Friday to allow online election campaign activities via social media anytime of the year.

The move comes after the Constitutional Court ruled the current law banning such activities for 180 days before an election unconstitutional, citing the widespread access to the Internet that can also cut campaign spending.

In a 6-2 decision, the top court said last month the current restrictions can be used to discourage constructive criticism of political parties and government policies.

South Korea, one of the world's most wired countries with a rapidly increasing number of social media users, awaits key parliamentary and presidential polls this year.