South Korea's ruling and opposition parties began the official campaign period for local and by-elections at midnight on May 21, 2024 [1].
This window marks the final push for candidates to secure voter support before the June 3, 2024, election date [1]. Because candidate registration has been completed, parties are now legally permitted to engage in full-scale nationwide activities to influence the outcome of the local contests.
Strict regulations govern how candidates may reach the public during this time. Public speeches and dialogues are permitted between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. [1]. However, the use of loudspeakers is more restricted, with a cutoff time of 9 p.m. [1].
Campaign materials are also subject to specific deadlines. The distribution of campaign literature to households is allowed only until May 24, 2024 [1]. These rules are designed to balance the needs of political mobilization with the quality of life for residents.
"Public place speeches and conversations are allowed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the use of amplification devices is limited to 9 p.m.," said reporter Kwon Nam-gi of YTN News [1].
Kwon Nam-gi said that the official election campaign period for the June 3 local and by-elections began at midnight today [1]. The mobilization effort involves a total war between the ruling and opposition factions as they vie for regional control.
“The official election campaign period for the June 3 local elections and by-elections began”
The transition to the official campaign period shifts the political landscape from strategic planning to public visibility. By enforcing strict time limits on loudspeakers and literature distribution, South Korea maintains a regulated environment that prevents unrestrained campaigning. The results of the June 3 elections will serve as a critical barometer for the ruling party's popularity and the opposition's strength heading into future national contests.
