South Korea is counting votes for 14 vacant seats in the National Assembly following by-elections held on June 3, 2024 [1, 2].
These elections are critical for determining the balance of power in the 300-seat legislature [2]. Because the vacancies were created by members who resigned or had their seats invalidated, the results serve as a barometer for current public sentiment toward the major political parties [2].
Early reporting indicates that over 40% of the votes have been counted [2]. The vast majority of the contested seats were previously held by the Democratic Party, which held 13 of the 14 vacancies, while the People Power Party held one [2].
Democratic Party candidates are maintaining significant leads in several key constituencies. In the Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-gap district, Democratic candidate Kim Ui-gyeom holds a dominant 82% share of the vote [1]. In the Ansan-gap district, Democratic candidate Kim Nam-guk is leading with 55.7% [1].
Other districts are seeing tighter margins as the tally continues. In Pyeongtaek-eul, the leading candidate currently holds 32% of the vote [1]. The counting process is ongoing across the 14 constituencies to fill the gaps in the 300-seat National Assembly [2].
Election officials are processing the remaining ballots to finalize the results for Gyeonggi-Pyeongtaek-eul, Gyeonggi-Ansan-gap, and Jeonbuk-Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-gap, among others [2]. The live reporting of real-time percentages allows the public to track the shift in party representation as the count progresses [1, 2].
“Democratic candidate Kim Ui-gyeom holds a dominant 82% share of the vote”
The overwhelming number of vacant seats previously held by the Democratic Party means the party is primarily fighting to maintain its own territory. Strong early leads in districts like Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-gap suggest the party retains a firm grip on its strongholds, while the closer race in Pyeongtaek-eul indicates areas where the opposition may be making inroads.
