South Koreans cast ballots early ahead of June 3 presidential vote

Early voting began on the morning of May 29 across South Korea as citizens started casting ballots ahead of the country’s snap presidential election.

Long lines formed at various polling stations in the capital, Seoul, though unlike previous years, this early voting period is held entirely on weekdays, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Early voting is taking place at 3,568 polling stations nationwide as voters prepare to choose a new president to succeed former President Yoon Suk Yeol for a five-year term.

Yoon was removed from office following his failed attempt to impose martial law last December.

The early voting window lasts two days and will close at 6 p.m. local time on May 30 (0900 GMT), the National Election Commission confirmed.

Currently, six candidates are in the race for the presidency, but the main competition is between two frontrunners.

A recent poll released on May 28 shows Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leading with 49.2% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party at 36.8%.

Lee Jun-seok from the New Reform Party ranks third with 10.3%.

Democratic Party candidate Lee plans to vote on May 29 in Sinchon, western Seoul, while Kim is set to cast his ballot in Gyeyang district of Incheon during a campaign stop.

The official presidential election day is scheduled for June 3.

By Tamilla Hasanova