Lee Jae-myung Wins 59.29% in Home Turf Gyeonggi... Direct Advance to General Election in Sight

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, secured first place with over 59% of the votes in the Gyeonggi regional primary, the "home turf" of the Democratic Party's presidential candidate selection, on the 9th.

According to the tally by the Democratic Party Central Election Commission, Governor Lee received 56,820 votes (59.29%), ranking first. Former leader Lee Nak-yeon came in second with 29,248 votes (30.52%). Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae and Representative Park Yong-jin ranked third and fourth with 8.75% and 1.45%, respectively.

Including the results of this primary, the cumulative vote shares were calculated as 55.29% for Governor Lee and 33.99% for former leader Lee. Former Minister Chu and Representative Park's cumulative vote shares were 9.11% and 1.61%, respectively.

The Democratic Party presidential primary is likely to conclude on the 10th. The results of the Seoul primary and the third round of the electoral college vote will be announced that afternoon. If Governor Lee maintains a 'majority vote,' he will be selected as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff between the top two candidates will be held on the 15th to finalize the presidential candidate.