S Korea: Voting for New President After Martial Law Unrest
Seoul - (Saba):
South Koreans began voting on Tuesday to elect a new president after a six-month political crisis triggered by the imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was ousted in December 2024.
Turnout is expected to exceed 80%. Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. local time (21:00 GMT Monday) and will close at 8:00 p.m.
The leading liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung, who holds a 54% lead in opinion polls, has pledged to bring about change in the country. He has focused his campaign on economic reforms to address youth unemployment.
His conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, who has 41% support, has also pledged change, focusing on national security and strengthening relations with the United States. He said the political system and economic model, established during South Korea's rise as an emerging democracy and industrial power, were no longer appropriate.
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