South Korea Holds Parliamentary Elections with High Voter Turnout Expected

Published On : 2024-04-10T10:43:31+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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South Korea :

Voting is currently underway in South Korea's parliamentary elections, which are crucial for determining the course of President Yoon Suk Yeol's agenda for the remainder of his term. The elections, held to fill the 300-seat National Assembly, will shape legislative support for President Yoon's policies over the next three years.

The National Election Commission has set up 14,259 polling stations across the country, allowing more than 30 million eligible voters to cast their ballots. Following last week's early voting period, the main voting day has commenced.

In these elections, voters will select representatives for 254 seats through direct votes in local districts, while an additional 46 seats will be allocated based on party support.

Interest in the elections has been notably high, with a record turnout of 31.28% during the early voting period, marking the first time early-voting turnout has exceeded 30% since its introduction in 2014.

As of 9 am local time, approximately 3.07 million voters, or 6.9% of the total electorate, had already cast their ballots. While this figure is slightly lower than that of the previous elections held four years ago, the voting process is ongoing.

The People Power Party (PPP) has called for voter support, emphasizing the need to overcome opposition obstructionism and advance President Yoon's reform agenda. Conversely, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has criticized the Yoon administration's performance and urged voters to hold it accountable.

Pre-election surveys indicated a favorable position for DP candidates in many districts, raising expectations for the party's performance. Additionally, newly formed minor parties, such as the Rebuilding Korea Party led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, have attracted public attention.

The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for South Korea's political landscape. A win for the opposition bloc, securing more than 200 seats in the National Assembly, could potentially challenge President Yoon's authority and legislative agenda.

With observers closely monitoring voter turnout and dynamics in key battlegrounds, such as the 48 constituencies in Seoul, the final election results are anticipated to provide insights into the country's future political direction.

Exit polls are scheduled to be released starting at 6:30 pm local time, offering initial indications of the election outcome and potential shifts in power dynamics within the National Assembly.

Source : ANI From South Korea

Tags : election dynamics , political parties , voter turnout , National Assembly , Yoon Suk Yeol , People Power Party , Democratic Party , South Korea , Parliamentary elections ,

Summary : Voting is underway in South Korea's parliamentary elections, with high voter turnout expected. The outcome will determine the future direction of President Yoon Suk Yeol's agenda, as well as the balance of power in the National Assembly. The elections have seen significant interest, with record early voting turnout. Key issues include the performance of the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party, as well as the emergence of minor parties. Exit polls will provide initial insights into the election results.

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