Seoul: The Democratic Party (DP) on Sunday urged acting President Han Duck-soo to promptly announce the date for a snap presidential election, following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This call comes in the wake of Yoon's removal from office due to a brief martial law declaration in December, as decided by the Constitutional Court.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Kim Yoon-deok, secretary-general of the DP, emphasized the necessity for a swift announcement during a press conference at the National Assembly. South Korea is required to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days of the court's decision to uphold the impeachment. Acting President Han is expected to set the date during a Cabinet meeting this week, with June 3 being the most likely.
Kim urged Han to declare his political neutrality alongside announcing the election date. He further stated that Yoon's removal does not exempt him from facing charges related to inciting insurrection through his martial law attempt. Kim stressed the need for a clear punishment to prevent future unconstitutional attempts to undermine the democratic system.
Political parties are now preparing for the upcoming election, anticipated to take place in June, amid a polarized public sentiment following Yoon's impeachment. DP leader Lee Jae-myung is expected to resign from his position as party chairman by Wednesday to run for the presidency. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, has been leading in early polls despite facing legal challenges of his own.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party is scheduled to hold a meeting with its members later in the day to discuss their strategies for the forthcoming election.