Parties urge voters to rally for upcoming local elections as early voting nears

South Korea is on the cusp of its 6.3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections, with early voting set to commence on May 29. Both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party are actively mobilizing their bases, urging citizens to cast their ballots in the early voting period.

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Early voting begins tomorrow. Leader Jeong Cheong-rae is encouraging voting through media appearances, press conferences, and rallies in Seoul.

Jo Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's Secretary-General, announced that party leader Jeong Cheong-rae is actively promoting voting through media appearances and rallies. During a rally in Seoul, Jeong urged supporters to unite, stating, "The secret to winning this election is simple: vote for Democratic Party candidates who will work hand-in-hand with President Lee Jae-myung to ensure stable national governance."

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The secret to winning this election is simple: vote for Democratic Party candidates who will work hand-in-hand with President Lee Jae-myung to ensure stable national governance.

Conversely, Jeong Hee-yong, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, highlighted the close contests in many districts, bolstered by enthusiastic campaigning and support from former President Park Geun-hye. He encouraged voters to "vote for People Power Party candidates without worry" and framed the election as a chance for citizens "who believe the arrogance of the Lee Jae-myung administration must be judged" to make their voices heard. He added that a high early voting rate is always advantageous.

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We will carefully monitor early voting to ensure there are no concerns, so please cast your vote for People Power Party candidates with confidence.

Historically, early voting turnout for local elections hovers just above 20%. In 2018, when the Democratic Party achieved a landslide victory, the rate was 20.14%, and in 2022, when the People Power Party dominated, it was 20.62%. These figures are considerably lower than those for presidential elections, which saw record highs of 36.93% in 2022, and general elections, which reached 31.28% in 2024. The upcoming elections, held a year after a snap presidential election due to a state of emergency and impeachment, share similarities with the 2018 local elections, and the 14 National Assembly by-elections are expected to influence turnout.

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Citizens who believe the arrogance of the Lee Jae-myung administration must be judged will come to the polls. A high early voting rate is always advantageous.