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NEW DELHI: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a pivotal moment as the nation heads to the polls for a parliamentary election that could determine the trajectory of his presidency. With stakes are high, the outcome of the election may either grant him a mandate to pursue his policies or render him a lame duck leader.
The run-up to the election has been marked by intense political polarization, with conservatives backing Yoon and liberals rallying against him.The toxic rhetoric and mudslinging between the two camps underscore a deepening domestic divide that threatens to impede governance regardless of the election’s outcome.
Since assuming office in 2022, Yoon, a former top prosecutor, has grappled with low approval ratings and opposition-controlled parliament, hampering the implementation of his major policy initiatives.
Pre-election surveys suggest that liberal opposition parties are likely to maintain dominance in the National Assembly. However, the fiercely contested nature of many constituencies and the indecision of moderate voters make the outcome uncertain.
According to Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based institute of presidential leadership, the pivotal factor for Yoon’s governing People Power Party is whether it can secure the majority or emerge as the second-largest party. Failure to do so could severely impede Yoon’s ability to govern effectively.
Of the 300 parliamentary seats, 254 are elected through direct votes in local districts, with an additional 46 allocated based on party proportionality. Observers note that approximately 50 to 55 local districts are witnessing closely contested races.
Polling stations opened at 6 am and will close at 6 pm, with South Korea boasting a record-high early voter turnout of nearly 14 million people, indicating significant public engagement in the democratic process.
The contentious nature of South Korea’s political landscape intensified during the 2022 presidential election, characterized by divisive rhetoric and personal attacks. Despite calls for unity following a violent incident targeting opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, the election campaign has seen a resurgence of acrimonious exchanges between rival parties.
While Yoon’s push to expand the number of medical students initially garnered public support, growing discontent over rising prices and criticisms of his personnel management style have eroded his standing.
As voters cast their ballots, the outcome of the election holds profound implications for South Korea’s political landscape, with the potential for a political deadlock looming large. The results will shape the course of Yoon’s presidency and the nation’s future trajectory in the coming years.
The run-up to the election has been marked by intense political polarization, with conservatives backing Yoon and liberals rallying against him.The toxic rhetoric and mudslinging between the two camps underscore a deepening domestic divide that threatens to impede governance regardless of the election’s outcome.
Since assuming office in 2022, Yoon, a former top prosecutor, has grappled with low approval ratings and opposition-controlled parliament, hampering the implementation of his major policy initiatives.
Pre-election surveys suggest that liberal opposition parties are likely to maintain dominance in the National Assembly. However, the fiercely contested nature of many constituencies and the indecision of moderate voters make the outcome uncertain.
According to Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based institute of presidential leadership, the pivotal factor for Yoon’s governing People Power Party is whether it can secure the majority or emerge as the second-largest party. Failure to do so could severely impede Yoon’s ability to govern effectively.
Of the 300 parliamentary seats, 254 are elected through direct votes in local districts, with an additional 46 allocated based on party proportionality. Observers note that approximately 50 to 55 local districts are witnessing closely contested races.
Polling stations opened at 6 am and will close at 6 pm, with South Korea boasting a record-high early voter turnout of nearly 14 million people, indicating significant public engagement in the democratic process.
The contentious nature of South Korea’s political landscape intensified during the 2022 presidential election, characterized by divisive rhetoric and personal attacks. Despite calls for unity following a violent incident targeting opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, the election campaign has seen a resurgence of acrimonious exchanges between rival parties.
While Yoon’s push to expand the number of medical students initially garnered public support, growing discontent over rising prices and criticisms of his personnel management style have eroded his standing.
As voters cast their ballots, the outcome of the election holds profound implications for South Korea’s political landscape, with the potential for a political deadlock looming large. The results will shape the course of Yoon’s presidency and the nation’s future trajectory in the coming years.
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