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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

People Power Party urges early voting after concerns over fairness

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The People Power Party has shifted its stance on early voting, now encouraging participation after previously expressing concerns.
  • The party has established an "election safety and voting committee" to monitor the process and ensure fairness.
  • This change in strategy aims to mobilize conservative voters who may have been hesitant about early voting due to past concerns about election integrity.

The People Power Party has signaled a significant shift in its approach to early voting for the upcoming June 3 local elections and by-elections, now actively encouraging citizens to participate. This move is notable given the conservative camp's historical skepticism regarding early voting, often citing concerns about management and potential irregularities.

We will meticulously observe and inspect the entire process.

— Jeong Hee-yongPeople Power Party Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong's assurance regarding the monitoring of the early voting process.

"We will meticulously observe and inspect the entire process," stated Jeong Hee-yong, the People Power Party's secretary-general, during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. He urged citizens disappointed with the current administration and "unqualified candidates" to vote for People Power Party nominees as a means of "minimal checks" on President Lee and the Democratic Party. Jeong assured voters that "there will be no need to worry about early voting" and encouraged them to cast their ballots "with peace of mind."

To bolster confidence, the party has established a "Fair Election Safe Voting Committee," led by Shin Dong-wook. This committee visited the National Election Commission on May 26 to formally request fair and objective election management that citizens can trust. They emphasized the need to prevent past issues such as "basket voting" or the external removal of ballots.

Citizens who are disappointed with the arrogant regime and unqualified candidates, please come out to vote and lend your strength to People Power Party candidates for minimal checks on President Lee and the Democratic Party.

— Jeong Hee-yongJeong Hee-yong's call to action for voters to participate in the election.

The People Power Party is also implementing internal measures, including a 24-hour CCTV monitoring team and a "safe voting situation room." Training for vote and ballot-counting observers has also been intensified. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk plans to vote on the main election day, June 3, while some party leaders will participate in early voting, reflecting a divided approach within the leadership.

There will be no need to worry about early voting. Please cast your valuable vote for People Power Party candidates with peace of mind.

— Jeong Hee-yongJeong Hee-yong's reassurance to voters about the safety and fairness of early voting.

This strategic pivot appears aimed at maximizing voter turnout among conservative supporters. "We believe that a high early voting rate is unconditionally advantageous for the People Power Party," Jeong remarked, suggesting that citizens who feel a need to "pass judgment" on the current situation will be motivated to vote.

We strongly requested fair and objective election management that citizens can trust, and strongly requested that there should be no poor voting like in the past, such as basket voting or external removal of ballots.

— Jeong Hee-yongDetails of the People Power Party's meeting with the National Election Commission regarding election management.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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