DP loses ground in strongholds

Apr 03, 2025, 09:25 am

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A voter receives assistance from an election commission official while casting a ballot at Polling Station No. 2 in Damyang Culture and Arts Center, Damyang-eup, Damyang County, on April 2. / Source: Yonhap

In the April 2 by-elections held across 21 constituencies in South Korea, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) faced significant losses in its traditional strongholds in the Honam region. In the Damyang County mayoral race, Jeong Cheol-won of the Innovation Party secured victory with 51.82% of the vote, surpassing Democratic candidate Lee Jae-jong, who received 48.17%. This marks the first time the Innovation Party has elected a local government head since its inception.

Additionally, in Goheung County's second electoral district, independent candidate Kim Jae-yeol won with 54.07% of the vote, defeating Democratic candidate Kim Dong-gwi, who garnered 45.92%. These outcomes indicate a shift in voter sentiment within regions traditionally dominated by the main opposition party.

The overall voter turnout for the by-elections was 26.27%, with specific figures including 61.8% in Damyang County and 47.3% in Geoje City. These results suggest a changing political landscape in areas previously considered Democratic strongholds

#Democratic Party #by-elections