Key candidates, issues and all you need to know
South Korea is all set to head to the polls on Tuesday to vote for a new president to replace ousted PPP leader Yoon Suk-Yeol. Around 44.4 million people, from the 52 million population, are eligible to vote in the June 3 polls.
The snap presidential elections in South Korea come after Yoon Suk-Yeol's brief and failed martial law bid, which ultimately led to his impeachment from office.
ALSO READ | Martial law, mass protests and Yoon's impeachment | Key moments behind South Korea's snap elections
With tensions with North Korea, Donald Trump's tariffs and the overall state of democracy in focus, here's all you need to know about Tuesday's vote.
There are a total of five names on the ballot for president. However, the two key contenders for the post have been narrowed down to Lee Jae-Myung from the Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party.
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is reportedly the frontrunner in the presidential elections. The human-rights lawyer, who escaped an assassination attempt last year is leading with 49 percent of voter support, as per a Gallup Korea poll.
Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo, the candidate from Yoon Suk-Yeol and the current conservative government People Power Party, trails behind at 36 percent.
Along with Kim and Lee, the remaining candidates are -
Hwang Kyo-ahn, an independent candidate, quit the presidential race on Sunday and has endorsed Kim Moon-soo
South Koreans will be able to cast their vote on June 3 at 14,295 polling stations. According to a report by Yonhap, 28,590 police officers will be stationed at these polling booths.
Polling booths will open at 6 AM KST (2:30 AM IST) and will close at 8 PM KST (4:30 PM IST). After the polls close, the national election commission will commence the counting of votes to determine the next president.
South Korea has already carried out early voting for overseas citizens. As per NEC, 15.4 million, or 34.74 per cent of the total population overseas, voted during early ballots between 29-30 May.
The South Korean president will be chosen based on popular vote. The first candidate to win the most votes is elected the winner, even if the number of votes fails to cross the 50 percent mark.
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