"Voting Is Power"... 'June 3 Presidential Election' Campaign-①Public Officials

'Encouraging Voter Participation Is Both a Right and Duty for Public Officials'
"Desire and Energy for Democracy Concentrate in Gwangju"
Kang Kijeong Stresses Efforts to Raise Voter Turnout at Regular Briefing

Kang Kijeong, mayor of Gwangju, is taking a commemorative photo with public officials for the "Gwangju City Voting Participation Campaign" after the May regular briefing held on the afternoon of the 8th in the city hall's main conference room. Provided by Gwangju City

"Public officials must constantly come up with creative ideas, always thinking about how they can benefit citizens in order to achieve the goal of 'citizen happiness.' Voting is power, and I ask that all public officials in Gwangju City join the campaign to encourage voter participation."

On May 8, Mayor Kang Kijeong of Gwangju held the "May Regular Briefing" in the main conference room under the theme "Let's Share a Special May!" During the event, Mayor Kang emphasized the "importance of voting," saying, "This year's 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising coincides with the heart of the presidential election season, and the desire and energy for democracy will be concentrated in Gwangju."

He continued, "Last winter, we overcame the night of the 12·3 martial law, crossed the river of impeachment, and, with the power of the citizens, created a presidential election that will determine the future of the Republic of Korea." He added, "This presidential election is an election to unite a divided Republic of Korea and an important election to revive the struggling economy."

He went on to say, "Strengthening democracy is the path to revitalizing the people's livelihood and opening the growth plate of the Korean economy. The most certain way to achieve this victory is voting, and the most important task is to raise the voter turnout."

In fact, since the introduction of the direct presidential election system in 1987, Gwangju has recorded the highest voter turnout in the country in seven presidential elections (excluding the 2007 election).

Mayor Kang reiterated, "This is a clear reflection of the citizens' desire for change and the strong will of the people of Gwangju for the overwhelming victory of our democracy. Raising the voter turnout to its maximum is the surest and only way to open a new Republic of Korea."

He also encouraged, "Public officials must recognize that casting a precious vote is not just a right but a duty. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of public officials to ensure that not a single eligible voter is left out from voting."

Meanwhile, Mayor Kang added, "Currently, there are about 1.19 million eligible voters in Gwangju, and in this presidential election, we must realize the 1.19 million dreams of Gwangju. Standing once again at a historical turning point, Gwangju will once again become the center of Korea's historical revolution and make democracy blossom."