Over 6.86M Voters Cast Ballots in S. Korea's 2-Day Early Voting for Local Elections

Voters in South Korea participated in the second day of early voting for local elections, with a higher turnout than the previous election cycle. The elections will determine the leaders of major cities like Seoul and Busan. President Lee Jae Myung encouraged participation, stressing its importance for democracy. Various candidates from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party are in close competition, as indicated by recent polls. The outcome of these elections is anticipated to have notable implications for the current administration.

The voter turnout exceeded 6.86 million by 11 a.m. on the second day, outpacing the 2022 numbers. The Seoul mayoral race between Oh Se-hoon (PPP) and Chong Won-o (DP) is closely watched, with Chong leading in a recent poll. In Daegu, PPP’s Choo Kyung-ho and DP’s Kim Boo-kyum are in a tight contest. Busan’s election sees DP’s Chun Jae-soo leading over the incumbent PPP mayor.

Parliamentary by-elections also draw attention, particularly in Busan’s Buk-A constituency where former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon competes. President Lee and his wife voted early, with the President emphasizing the importance of voting on social media.

The elections are the first major test for the Lee administration since taking office. Both parties have been mobilizing voters, with polls indicating tightening races. A high percentage of respondents in a recent NEC poll stated their intention to vote, reflecting the elections’ significance.