Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung is poised to secure a decisive victory in South Korea's presidential election as the vote count surpasses the halfway mark. With 50 percent of the ballots counted, Lee has garnered 48.99 percent of the vote, leading conservative People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo, who has received 42.64 percent.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee addressed reporters outside his home in Incheon, expressing respect for "the people's great decision" and vowing to fulfill his responsibilities without falling short of expectations. Lee, accompanied by his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, headed to Seoul's Yeouido, home to the National Assembly, as broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS projected his certain victory in the snap election. This election was triggered by the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial imposition of martial law six months ago.
The DP's campaign, led by Lee, focused on overcoming the "insurrection forces" associated with Yoon's impeachment. In contrast, Kim Moon-soo emphasized a future free of "dictatorship" while highlighting Lee's ongoing trials and leadership style. The exit polls indicated a 12.4 percentage point lead for Lee, leading to celebrations within the DP camp.
The PPP, however, faced disappointment as their hopes for an upset appeared unlikely. Rep. Na Kyung-won expressed her shock at the significant gap between the candidates. Voter turnout was notably high, with 79.4 percent of the 44.39 million eligible voters participating, marking the highest rate since the 1997 election, according to the National Election Commission (NEC).
The election, characterized by keen voter interest, included early voting and absentee ballots, with former President Yoon and other political figures casting their votes on Election Day. The NEC reported 81 allegations of election law violations, including an incident involving a red balloon supporting Kim Moon-soo placed near a polling station.
Vote counting began promptly after polls closed, with results expected to be finalized by the morning. The new president will assume office immediately, without a transition period, due to the election's timing. The inauguration ceremony is anticipated to occur at the National Assembly shortly after the results are certified.
The election featured five candidates, with Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party and independent Song Jin-ho also in the race. Pre-election surveys indicated a consistent lead for Lee, though the margin had narrowed in recent weeks. Both leading candidates prioritized economic growth and constitutional reforms in their campaigns, with differing approaches to security and diplomatic issues.