SEOUL — With the April 10 general elections fast approaching, South Korea's major political parties intensified their campaign activities on Sunday, highlighting their contrasting visions and strategies to appeal to voters nationwide.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is rallying support for President Yoon Suk Yeol's reform agenda, emphasizing the need for legislative backing to advance its policies. Conversely, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) is focusing its message on critiquing the ruling administration's perceived failures, advocating for a parliamentary majority to effect change.
The forthcoming elections are pivotal for both parties, as they vie for control of the 300-seat National Assembly. The PPP seeks to secure a majority to prevent President Yoon from becoming a lame-duck president, while the DP aims to consolidate its legislative dominance.
The National Election Commission disclosed that the number of eligible voters has reached approximately 44.28 million, indicating a slight increase from the previous election. The demographic breakdown shows a diverse electorate, with the highest voter representation among individuals in their fifties.
Competition is fierce, with both parties acknowledging numerous tightly contested constituencies that could swing the overall election result. The PPP is optimistic about its prospects in 74 to 82 districts, while the DP anticipates securing at least 110 seats. However, the exact outcome remains uncertain, with both parties identifying key battlegrounds that could determine the balance of power.
Campaign dynamics are also influenced by current events, such as the ongoing doctors' strike, which may impact voter sentiment. The parties' narratives also reflect broader national concerns, with the PPP criticizing opposition obstructionism and the DP condemning alleged mismanagement and corruption within the Yoon administration.
With overseas voting already underway and early voting set to begin shortly, the election's outcome appears to hinge on various factors, including voter turnout and public reaction to the parties' campaign messages.
A recent Gallup Korea poll indicates a competitive race, with a notable percentage of the electorate still undecided, underscoring the unpredictability of the election's outcome.