South Korea: Early voting begins for June 13 general elections

Event

South Koreans began early voting on Friday, June 8, for the general elections. Early voters can cast their ballots June 8-9 at some 3512 polling stations across the country before election day, June 13. Early voting has been in place for parliamentary and mayoral elections in recent years, and for presidential elections for the first time last year. South Korea has more than 42 million eligible voters.

Context

Polling indicates that the Democratic Party (DP) - the party of current President Moon Jae-in - is expected to win the majority of the positions up for grabs due to the president's popularity. However, participation rates could be very low, which could favor the Liberty Korea Party (LKP), the party of ousted President Park Geun-hye. President Moon won the May 2017 presidential elections, held after Park's impeachment and subsequent removal from office in March 2017.

Advice

Individuals in South Korea are advised to avoid polling stations and political demonstrations as a precaution.