Seoul: Two-day early voting for the upcoming local elections concluded with a record turnout of 23.51 percent, as reported by the National Election Commission (NEC). This marks the highest early voting turnout for local elections, with more than 10.4 million out of 44.6 million registered voters participating.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the early voting period, which spanned from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, witnessed a turnout of 11.6 percent on the first day and 11.91 percent on the second day. This year's turnout surpassed the 20.62 percent recorded in the 2022 local elections, although it fell short of the 36.93 percent seen in the 2022 presidential election. The main voting day is scheduled for Wednesday.
Regional turnout varied, with South Jeolla Province leading at 38.95 percent, followed by North Jeolla Province at 35.05 percent. Gwangju and Sejong also reported significant turnouts of 27.83 percent and 27.67 percent, respectively. In contrast, Daegu registered the lowest turnout at 18.65 percent, while Seoul's turnout was 23.84 percent.
The NEC also reported a 24.12 percent early voting turnout for parliamentary by-elections aimed at filling 14 vacant National Assembly seats. President Lee Jae Myung took to social media to encourage voter participation, emphasizing its importance to democracy. He, alongside first lady Kim Hea Kyung, cast their early votes on Friday.
The elections will determine 16 mayoral and gubernatorial positions, 227 local government heads, and approximately 4,000 local council members. This election is the first major nationwide vote under the Lee administration, which took office after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal.
Both major political parties, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), are actively campaigning as polls indicate tightening races. The Seoul mayoral race is particularly competitive, with incumbent Oh Se-hoon of the PPP and Chong Won-o of the DP in a close contest. A recent Hankook Research poll shows Chong slightly ahead.
Candidates are actively campaigning across various regions. In Daegu, PPP's Choo Kyung-ho and DP's Kim Boo-kyum are locked in a tight race, with Choo slightly leading according to a recent Ace Research survey. Campaigning efforts have included visits to local landmarks and events to garner support.
In Busan, Chun Jae-soo of the DP is leading against incumbent mayor and PPP candidate Park Heong-joon, as indicated by recent polls. Moreover, the parliamentary by-elections have attracted significant attention, with figures like Han Dong-hoon, a former PPP leader, vying for seats.
The NEC's recent poll revealed that 73.6 percent of respondents are determined to vote in the upcoming elections, with 39.4 percent expressing a preference for early voting.