South Korea Begins Two-Day Early Voting for June 3 Local Elections

M. m. The National Election Commission reported that 3,571 polling stations are operating across the country. Eligible voters can select 16 mayoral and gubernatorial posts, 227 heads of local governments, and approximately 4,000 local council members. Fourteen vacant seats in the National Assembly are also at stake in the parliamentary by-elections.

6 percent of respondents said they will definitely vote. 4 percent indicated they plan to vote during the early voting period.

The elections are the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office last June. The ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party have both urged supporters to participate. Recent polls show several races tightening, including the Seoul mayoral contest between incumbent Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party and ruling party candidate Chong Won-o.

A Hankook Research poll released Monday showed Chong at 42 percent and Oh at 36 percent. In the Busan parliamentary by-election for the Buk-A constituency, independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, former People Power Party leader, is running against ruling party candidate Ha Jung-woo and former People Power Party lawmaker Park Min-shik.