Seoul: South Koreans headed to the polls on Saturday, marking the final day of early voting for the forthcoming nationwide local elections and parliamentary by-elections, which are being closely observed as a referendum on President Lee Jae Myung's first year in office. More than 5.95 million voters, accounting for 13.35 percent of the 44.6 million registered voters, had cast their ballots by 9 a.m., following the commencement of early voting at 6 a.m. the previous day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the voter turnout surpassed the 11.81 percent recorded at the same time during the second day of early voting for the 2022 local elections. The elections will determine 16 mayoral and gubernatorial posts, alongside 227 local government heads and approximately 4,000 local council members. Additionally, the parliamentary by-elections will fill 14 vacant National Assembly seats, drawing attention to candidates like Han Dong-hoon, the former leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), who is competing for a position.
A recent poll released by the National Election Commission (NEC) indicated that 73.6 percent of respondents were determined to vote in the upcoming elections, with 39.4 percent planning to participate during the early voting period. This election is significant as it marks the first major nationwide vote for the current administration since President Lee took office last June, following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law attempt.
Both the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the PPP have been actively encouraging voter turnout, with the DP urging the public to decisively reject what it describes as the "remnants" of Yoon's insurrectionist forces. Despite the DP's aspirations for a sweeping victory, recent polls suggest that electoral races are becoming more competitive across various regions.
In Seoul, the mayoral election has emerged as a closely contested battle between the incumbent Oh Se-hoon of the PPP and Chong Won-o, the ruling party's candidate. A Hankook Research poll released on Monday showed Chong leading with 42 percent, compared to Oh's 36 percent.