Early Voting Rate on First Day of April 7 By-Election, 12 PM Turnout at 3.60%

Seoul 3.76%·Busan 3.46%

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] As of 12 PM on the first day of early voting for the April 7 by-elections, the turnout rate was recorded at 3.60%. This is relatively lower compared to last year's general election but similar to the turnout rate in local elections.

According to the National Election Commission on the 2nd, out of 12,161,624 eligible voters nationwide, 438,345 participated in early voting as of 12 PM. The early voting rate stands at 3.60%. This figure is lower than the 4.90% turnout at the same time during last year's general election held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The early voting rates in Seoul and Busan, which are the most closely watched areas in this by-election, are also relatively lower compared to the last general election.

For the Seoul mayoral election on this day, 316,774 out of 8,425,869 voters cast their ballots, marking a turnout of 3.76%. In the Busan mayoral election, 101,625 out of 2,936,301 voters participated, resulting in an early voting rate of 3.46%.

At the same time during the last general election, Seoul had an early voting rate of 4.71%, and Busan had 4.41%.

However, this is similar to the turnout rate of 3.71% recorded during the 7th local elections held in 2018.

In the 7th local elections, the early voting rates for Seoul and Busan were 3.12% and 3.08%, respectively.

This by-election is being held in 21 locations, including two metropolitan mayoral positions (Seoul and Busan), two basic local government heads (Ulsan Nam-gu District Chief, Gyeongnam Uiryeong County Chief), eight metropolitan council seats (such as Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly and Chungbuk Provincial Assembly), and nine basic council seats (such as Jeonnam Boseong County Council and Gyeongnam Haman County Council).

Early voting continues until the 3rd and is available from 6 AM to 6 PM. Voter locations can be confirmed through election brochures, the National Election Commission website, or portal sites.

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