BBC Reports on South Korea's General Election: "Calm Election with Vinyl Gloves and Masks Fully Mobilized"

On the first day of early voting for the 21st general election on the 10th, a voter wearing plastic gloves at the early voting station in Busanjin-gu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] The British BBC reported on the 15th (local time) that South Korea is proceeding with the 21st National Assembly elections as scheduled despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

In a report covering South Korea's general election, the BBC stated, "Unlike other countries, the election is being held," and added, "Voters wear masks and maintain a 1-meter distance while lining up to wait for their turn to vote. They have their temperatures checked, rub hand sanitizer on their hands, and wear plastic gloves."

The article included four photos showing early voting sites, indicating that the National Assembly elections are currently being conducted with safe distancing and control measures in place.

Early voting site / Photo by AFP Archive [Captured from UK BBC homepage]

The last photo shows medical staff working at a COVID-19 testing site wearing protective suits while participating in voting.

The BBC Seoul correspondent explained, "Some feared there would be considerable chaos, but from what I observed early in the voting, it was calm," and added, "People patiently waited for their turn to vote by lining up according to designated markings."

A young female voter said, "At first, I thought the election should be postponed because people wouldn't come out to vote," but added, "Now I have come out, and I see many others participating in voting. I am no longer worried."

The report also mentioned the newly granted voting rights for those aged 18 and over for the first time. A female voter casting her first vote at Seoul Station said, "Voting is something we must do. Wearing plastic gloves was uncomfortable, but it gave a sense of safety."

Furthermore, the BBC described the high enthusiasm of voters, reporting that approximately 11 million people, or 27% of voters, had already cast their votes through early voting.

The BBC noted South Korea's voting history, stating, "South Korea has never postponed an election. Even during the Korean War in 1952, the presidential election was held."

The correspondent explained, "Infected patients can vote by mail, and those with mild symptoms can vote at polling stations set up outside hospitals while wearing protective suits, masks, and gowns."

It was also reported that about 60,000 self-quarantined patients vote at separate polling stations from 5:20 PM to 7 PM, either on foot or by car while wearing masks. Afterwards, they return accompanied by health officials or are transported by police vehicles.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported that the government's COVID-19 response dominated all discussions in this election.

It also predicted that this National Assembly election would serve as a stepping stone to gauge the popularity of candidates and parties ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.