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Key Points

South Korea is preparing for a critical presidential election with overseas voting commencing on Tuesday. The National Election Commission has set up 223 polling stations in 118 countries to facilitate voting for 258,254 registered overseas nationals. Candidates are aggressively campaigning, with Lee Jae-myung currently leading in polls. The election represents a significant political moment for South Korea, with candidates vying to succeed the previous president.

Key Points: South Korea Election 2024 Overseas Voting Begins

  • Overseas voting starts Tuesday for six-day period
  • 223 polling stations established across 118 countries
  • First-time voting in Cuba, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Estonia
  • Candidates intensifying campaign efforts in Seoul
2 min read

South Korea: Overseas voting for June 3 presidential election to kick off Tuesday

258,254 South Korean nationals to vote abroad in pivotal presidential election spanning 118 countries

"We are ready to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process - National Election Commission spokesperson"

Seoul, May

Overseas voting for the South Korean June 3 presidential election is set to kick off on Tuesday for a six-day run, the election watchdog said on Monday.

A total of 258,254 overseas South Korean nationals, including those registered as absentee voters, will be eligible to vote at 223 polling stations across 118 countries from Tuesday to next Wednesday, according to the National Election Commission (NEC).

Polling stations were set up in South Korean overseas missions in Cuba, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Estonia for the first time, where diplomatic missions were recently established, Yonhap news agency reported.

Eligible voters unable to participate in the overseas voting or those wishing to cast their ballots in South Korea can do so on voting day if they report to regional election commissions between May 26-June 3, the NEC said.

Meanwhile, South Korean Presidential candidates ramped up their campaigns on Monday to woo swing voters in the key battleground of Seoul, with the election just 15 days away to pick a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid.

Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung, the campaign's front-runner, met elderly voters, while People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo and Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party (NRP) joined a forum in Seoul.

Although the minor party's Lee, who had served as a leader of the PPP, has ruled out merging his campaign with Kim, the forum drew attention as speculation persists over a potential merger of their candidacies to challenge the DP's Lee.

Speaking to reporters after the forum, the NRP's Lee said he is "not interested" in discussing a merger.

After attending the presidential candidates' first televised debate the previous day, Kim said he remains open to a merger with the minor party's Lee.

A Realmeter survey showed Monday that the DP's Lee was leading Kim with 50.2 per cent support against Kim's 35.6 per cent. The minor party's Lee came in third with 8.7 per cent.

After meeting elderly voters, the DP's Lee held a campaign rally at Yongsan Station and is set to head to the wards of Yeongdeungpo and Mapo.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how South Korea manages overseas voting for its citizens. India could learn from their system - especially the part about setting up polling stations in new diplomatic missions. Our diaspora is much larger but faces difficulties voting abroad. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
The election dynamics remind me of Indian politics - main parties fighting while smaller parties play kingmaker! 😄 Hope South Korea gets stable leadership. Their tech and manufacturing sectors are crucial partners for India's growth.
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Arjun S.
As someone who follows East Asian geopolitics, this election is important for India too. South Korea under different leadership might change its stance on QUAD or China relations. Lee Jae-myung leading in polls suggests possible policy shifts.
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Neha T.
The voter turnout numbers seem low compared to India's elections. We should appreciate our strong democratic participation despite challenges. But credit to South Korea for making voting accessible globally - even in newly established missions.
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Sanjay R.
The article mentions former President Yoon being ousted over martial law bid - shows even developed democracies face leadership crises. India has maintained stable transitions despite our size and diversity. Something to be proud of!
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Meena P.
While their system is efficient, I hope South Korea addresses the low youth participation mentioned indirectly here. Like in India, young voters need to be more engaged. Their decisions shape the future! #DemocracyMatters

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