SEOUL
In a round of local by-elections held on Wednesday, South Korea’s rival political parties secured victories in their respective strongholds, according the country’s election watchdog said on Thursday.
Candidates from the ruling People Power Party were elected as chiefs in two key regions: Geumjeong District of the southeastern port city of Busan and Ganghwa County in the western port city of Incheon. These areas are traditional strongholds for the conservative party.
Meanwhile, the main liberal opposition party, the Democratic Party, achieved victories in Yeonggwang and Gokseong Counties located in South Jeolla Province. Additionally, a liberal candidate won the position of superintendent for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, defeating a conservative opponent.
The voter turnout for these by-elections was approximately 24.62%, while the early voting held over two days prior garnered a turnout of 8.98%.
These by-elections are significant as they follow the ruling party’s substantial defeat in the April 10 parliamentary elections, highlighting the ongoing political dynamics in South Korea as both parties vie for influence in the wake of recent electoral setbacks.
