Cumulative Vote Share Reaches 89.56%... "Mainstream Theory" Confirmed
Kim Dong Yeon and Kim Kyung Soo Express Determination to Finish the Race
As the Democratic Party's primary to select its candidate for the 21st presidential election passes its halfway point, former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung is maintaining a commanding lead, with his cumulative vote share approaching 90%. In contrast, Kim Kyung Soo, former governor of Gyeongnam, and Kim Dong Yeon, governor of Gyeonggi?both non-Lee candidates?have only managed to secure single-digit cumulative vote shares, indicating their inability to overcome Lee's dominance.
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung (from left), former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung Soo, and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong Yeon, Democratic Party presidential primary candidates, greet attendees at the "21st Presidential Election Candidate Selection Yeongnam Region Joint Speech Meeting" held on the 20th at the Ulsan Exhibition Convention Center in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the results of the Yeongnam region vote announced by the Democratic Party on the 20th, Lee recorded a total vote share of 90.81%, placing him firmly in first. Kim Kyung Soo received 5.93%, while Kim Dong Yeon garnered 3.26%. When combined with the previous day's results from the Chungcheong region, Lee's cumulative vote share stood at 89.56%, far surpassing Kim Dong Yeon (5.27%) and Kim Kyung Soo (5.17%).
The Democratic Party plans to hold primaries in Honam on the 26th and in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju on the 27th, after which it will announce the results of regional party member and national delegate votes. Additionally, the results of a public opinion poll, which accounts for 50% of the total vote, will be released during the primary on the 27th, along with the final combined results. If the current trend continues, Lee is highly likely to secure a majority and be confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate without the need for a runoff.
Despite his overwhelming lead in the primary, Lee remained cautious. Meeting with reporters immediately after his victory, Lee said, "I feel a great sense of responsibility," adding, "It is too early to draw conclusions. I will do my best."
Both Kim Dong Yeon and Kim Kyung Soo expressed their determination to see the primary through to the end. Kim Dong Yeon stated, "I accept the results of the party members' votes and will do my utmost in the remaining primaries. My goal is to win until the very end." Kim Kyung Soo also said, "The goal of this primary is for everyone to win," adding, "I will strive for better results during the remaining primaries and will do what I can."
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