SEOUL – South Korea’s major political parties have begun the nomination process for the presidential election scheduled for June 3, following the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The government officially designated the election date during a Cabinet meeting and declared June 3 a temporary public holiday.
In accordance with constitutional requirements, the nation must elect a new president within 60 days of the presidential office becoming vacant. The National Election Commission commenced early registration immediately after President Yoon’s dismissal.
Conservative PPP Field Draws Eleven Candidates
The conservative People Power Party (PPP) concluded its two-day primary registration on Tuesday, announcing that eleven candidates have entered the race. Notable contenders include:
Kim Moon-soo – Former Minister of Labour
Han Dong-hoon – Former PPP Chairman
Ahn Cheol-soo – PPP Lawmaker
Na Kyung-won – PPP Lawmaker
Hong Joon-pyo – Former Mayor of Daegu
Yoo Jeong-bok – Mayor of Incheon
Lee Cheol-woo – Governor of North Gyeongsang Province
Despite speculation, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo did not register, a decision confirmed earlier by the party’s floor leader.
The PPP’s election committee is set to announce the list of candidates advancing to the first round of the primary on Wednesday. The party aims to finalize its nominee by May 3.
Liberal DP Primary Sees Three-Way Contest
On the liberal front, the Democratic Party (DP) held its one-day registration on Tuesday, with three candidates entering the primary:
Lee Jae-myung – Former DP Leader
Kim Kyoung-soo – Former Governor of South Gyeongsang
Kim Dong-yeon – Governor of Gyeonggi Province
The DP plans to announce its presidential nominee on April 27.
Electoral Timeline and Requirements
The official campaign period will begin on May 12, following the finalization of candidate registrations by May 11. In line with South Korean election law, any public servant seeking to run must resign from their post at least 30 days prior to the election, setting May 4 as the resignation deadline.
The newly elected President will assume office immediately after the June 3 vote, with no transition team, ensuring a swift transfer of power amid the country’s ongoing political recalibration.
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