Campaigning Intensifies In South Korea As General Elections Approach

SEOUL, March 31 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- Ahead of the April 10 general elections in South Korea, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) have ramped up their campaigns.

The PPP is rallying support for its reform policies, while the DP criticises the government for its failures, aiming to challenge the ruling party's parliamentary dominance, Yonhap news agency reported.

This election is crucial for the PPP as losing a majority could weaken South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s position, affecting his ability to govern effectively for the rest of his term.

On the other hand, the DP hopes to maintain its parliamentary majority.

The current doctors' strike against the government’s medical school admission policies and expected voter turnout are both seen as influencing factors in the election's outcome.

The PPP accuses the opposition-led National Assembly of hindering reform efforts, with its leader Han Dong Hoon highlighting the need to fight corruption.

DP leader Lee Jae Myung criticises Yoon’s administration for national mismanagement and corruption allegations.

With overseas voting already underway and early voting set to begin soon, public opinion is divided.

According to a recent Gallup Korea poll, 49 per cent support the opposition, while 40 per cent back the ruling party.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP