Record Early Voting in South Korea’s Presidential Election Amid Political Turmoil
Seoul, South Korea – More than 12 million South Koreans, accounting for over a quarter of the nation’s 44.3 million eligible voters, have participated in early voting for the upcoming presidential election. This record turnout, reported by Yonhap News Agency, comes ahead of the official vote scheduled for Tuesday, which will determine the successor to impeached President Yoon Sook-yeol.
Early voting commenced on Thursday and will conclude Friday. Yoon’s presidency was marred by controversy, including his brief declaration of martial law in December, which he attributed to alleged infiltrations from antistate and North Korean forces. His subsequent impeachment resulted in political division and a contentious environment that has heightened voter engagement.
Latest polls indicate Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leading with 42.9% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party at 36.8%. Lee Jun-seok from the New Reform Party trails significantly with just 10.3%.
Candidates’ campaigns have seen regional discrepancies in voter turnout, with higher participation in Democratic-affiliated areas compared to conservative strongholds like Gyeongsang Province. “The morale at the Democratic Camp is much more energetic, especially after the historic impeachment trial,” said journalist David Lee.
The election period has been accompanied by increased instances of vandalism directed at campaign materials and social media threats against candidates, raising concerns about safety. Lee has been seen wearing a bulletproof vest as a precaution following threats on his life.
As South Korea approaches this pivotal vote, the electorate remains divided, reflecting a nation grappling with its political future amidst an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
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