Lee Jae-myung, representing South Korea's liberal Democratic Party, has been elected president, according to the National Election Commission's ongoing vote count released on Wednesday.
The data from the National Election Commission, with 94.4 percent of the votes tallied after midnight, indicated that Lee secured 48.8 percent of the vote. His primary opponent, Kim Moon-soo from the conservative People Power Party, received 42.0 percent.
Lee's victory is assured, as even if all remaining uncounted votes were to go to Kim, Lee would still win the presidential by-election.
Earlier, local broadcaster JTBC and three major terrestrial broadcasters, including KBS, MBC, and SBS, had predicted Lee's election as the country's 21st president.
Preliminary voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, representing the highest participation rate in 28 years, since the 80.7 percent recorded in 1997.
Approximately 35.24 million voters cast their ballots at 14,295 polling stations across the country, out of a total of about 44.39 million eligible voters.
The voter turnout, which included early voting participation from the preceding Thursday and Friday, was an increase from the 77.1 percent recorded in the previous presidential election in 2022.
5 Comments
Muchacha
A liberal president? South Korea is heading in the wrong direction. We need stability, not more upheaval.
Bella Ciao
It's sad to see so many people ignore Lee's questionable past. Shouldn't integrity matter in leadership?
Comandante
Having a president like Lee who values transparency and accountability is a breath of fresh air!
Coccinella
Lee's focus on social justice and equality is exactly what we need right now in South Korea. Excited for changes!
Africa
Lee's victory is a sign that people are ready for progressive policies. The future looks bright!