On the First Day of Early Voting, the Opposition Appeals While the Ruling Party Lowers Its Profile

People Power Party Leads in 9 Areas, Democratic Party in 4
Both Parties Intensify Efforts to Encourage Voting

On the 27th, the early voting day for the 8th nationwide local elections, voters visited the Jayang 3-dong early voting station in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul to cast their votes. Photo by Jang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Juni Park] The June 1 local elections are just five days away. Among the 17 metropolitan governments nationwide, the People Power Party (PPP) is leading in nine regions, while the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) holds an advantage in four. However, since the battlegrounds of Gyeonggi and Incheon remain highly competitive, both parties plan to focus their full efforts on these areas during the remaining period. Most party leaders and candidates have already completed early voting and actively encouraged voter participation. On the first day of early voting for the local elections, the turnout rate in the morning of the 27th was 2.6%, higher than the 2.0% recorded at the same time during the 2018 local elections.

According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, Hankook Research, and Korea Research on behalf of the three major broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS from the 23rd to the 25th, the People Power Party showed superiority in nine regions: Seoul, Gangwon, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. The Democratic Party led in four regions: Gwangju, Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Jeju. (Survey conducted on 14,020 men and women aged 18 and over residing in 17 metropolitan cities and provinces nationwide; 100% mobile phone interviews; 95% confidence level; margin of error ±3.1?3.5 percentage points; refer to the Public Opinion Deliberation Commission website)

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for the Incheon Gyeyang by-election, attended and spoke at the "Press Conference Against the Privatization of Airport Railroad Electric Water" held on the 26th at Gyeyang Station Square in Incheon. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Both parties have lowered their profiles while appealing for support. Kim Min-seok, co-chief of the Democratic Party’s election headquarters, said about the party’s final election strategy, "Except for the four stronghold regions, the situation is difficult everywhere," adding, "We will focus on one or two competitive regions and appeal for balance to the public and unity to our supporters." Kim Gi-hyeon, co-chairman of the People Power Party’s election committee, said, "Initially, we aimed to win at least nine out of the 17 metropolitan mayoral elections. Although the overall situation seems to be improving over time, more effort is still needed," and emphasized, "We cannot neglect any single electoral district."

Both parties are concentrating their efforts on the Seoul metropolitan area. Since the outcomes in Gyeonggi and Incheon remain uncertain, and winning in these areas is seen as crucial to confirming public sentiment, the Democratic Party held focused campaigns in Gyeonggi, Incheon, Daejeon, and Sejong on the day. The party leadership, along with senior figures, engaged in what they called "micro-targeting campaigns" in competitive regions. Yoon Ho-jung, the standing co-chairman, headed to Chungbuk and Sejong, while Park Ji-hyun, co-chair, went to Gyeonggi. Park Hong-geun, floor leader, campaigned in Incheon to support candidate Park Nam-chun. Lee Jae-myung, the overall campaign chairman running in the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election, toured the country until the 23rd and began focusing on Incheon from the 24th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The People Power Party held a central election committee field meeting in Gangwon Province on the same day. However, considering that local election turnout is lower than in presidential elections and the Democratic Party’s organizational strength, they plan to maintain vigilance and focus on the Seoul metropolitan area over the weekend. Leader Lee Jun-seok will stay in Incheon Gyeyang-eul for early voting over the weekend, and floor leader Kwon Seong-dong is preparing for campaigns in Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Gi-hyeon said, "We are sincerely appealing not only to our supporters but also to many moderate voters who are disappointed with the Moon Jae-in administration and angry at the Democratic Party’s behavior to increase voter turnout," adding, "Beyond judging the Democratic Party, we are doing our best to communicate the vision, alternatives, and capabilities of People Power Party candidates to build trust so that the PPP can continue to contribute to regional development."

Most party leaders and candidates completed early voting on the day. Kim Dong-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate challenging for the Gyeonggi governor position, said after voting, "I campaigned hard and with strength," adding, "During the remaining period, I will clearly present visions and policy content for Gyeonggi residents to gain broad support and secure victory." Kim Eun-hye, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi governor, expressed after voting, "I will do my best, recalling each day I sincerely engaged with residents from the beginning." Both parties claimed that higher early voting turnout benefits them and urged voters to participate.