Why Honam's Early Voting Rate Soared to Three Times the National Average

Early voting rates in South Korea's Honam region have seen a dramatic increase compared to four years ago, significantly outpacing the national average. In the recent early voting period, Jeonnam recorded 38.95%, Jeonbuk 35.05%, and Gwangju 27.83% turnout. These figures represent substantial jumps of 7.91, 10.64, and 10.55 percentage points, respectively, from the previous local elections.

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This early voter turnout is an expression of pride from the people of Jeonbuk, who are holding the central party leadership accountable for their arrogance in allowing the central party leadership to decide candidates instead of the will of the people.

Analysts within and around the Democratic Party offer dual explanations for this surge. One perspective suggests that the intensifying national political competition has galvanized the party's base in Honam, leading to increased participation out of a sense of urgency. Another prominent theory points to internal dissatisfaction with the candidate nomination process within the region, particularly concerning controversies surrounding certain candidates.

Specific issues, such as the exclusion and subsequent expulsion of candidate Kim Kwan-young due to an alleged vote-buying scandal, have fueled local discontent. The controversy was further amplified by remarks from Song Young-gil, a candidate for a by-election, who referred to Kim as a "person chosen by President Lee Jae-myung." Kim himself stated that the high turnout reflected voters holding the central party leadership accountable for perceived arrogance in deciding candidates, asserting that Jeonbuk is "not a mere rubber stamp for the Jeong Cheong-rae leadership."

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There are many complaints in the Jeonnam and Gwangju regions that Representative Jeong Cheong-rae was involved in the nomination of local council members and district assembly members.

Some local Democratic Party lawmakers have echoed these sentiments, expressing that dissatisfaction with Representative Jeong Cheong-rae's involvement in nominations for local council and district assembly positions is widespread in Jeonnam and Gwangju. However, Kang Jun-hyun, the party's senior spokesperson, acknowledged the high level of voter interest in Jeonbuk but expressed confidence that voters would prioritize "practical pursuit of Jeonbuk's development," anticipating a victory for Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek.

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The people of Jeonbuk are highly interested in the current situation. However, the people of Jeonbuk will pursue practical development for Jeonbuk.

An alternative analysis suggests that the increasing consolidation of conservative support nationwide is prompting a counter-mobilization among Honam voters. A two-term lawmaker from the Honam region commented that as the People Power Party's base appears to be unifying across various regions, Honam residents are responding by consolidating their own support.

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As the People Power Party's base is uniting in various regions across the country, Honam people are uniting.