President Lee Jae-myung casts his vote at an early voting site in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 29, the first day of early voting for the 9th nationwide local elections. [Photo=Yonhap News]
President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 31 that "the silence and apathy of voters provide opportunities for those who deceive the public, abuse power for personal gain, and ruin the lives of families."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he referenced the Greek philosopher Plato, saying, "The cost of political indifference is being ruled by the worst of the worst."
President Lee urged citizens to actively participate in voting, emphasizing that it is essential to demonstrate that the residents of this country are the people, and to clarify where power should be directed and the will of the sovereign lies. He expressed hope that voters would seek out trustworthy and capable individuals who will use the power entrusted to them solely for the public good.
He particularly noted, "The world can become hell or heaven depending on the mindset and attitude of elected officials," adding, "The power of voting is stronger than one might think. Whether those elected become diligent servants who enrich our lives or malignant rulers who destroy the world and inflict suffering on the people is in the hands of the sovereign."
He pointed out that if there are politicians or political groups uncomfortable with this message, they are precisely the entrenched interests that the sovereign must overcome through voting.
On the previous day, during the second day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, President Lee had also appealed for voter participation, stating, "Abandoning your vote is akin to abandoning the future of yourself and your family."
With the early voting turnout for this local election reaching a record high of 23.51%, he seems to be encouraging further interest in the main voting event.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he referenced the Greek philosopher Plato, saying, "The cost of political indifference is being ruled by the worst of the worst."
President Lee urged citizens to actively participate in voting, emphasizing that it is essential to demonstrate that the residents of this country are the people, and to clarify where power should be directed and the will of the sovereign lies. He expressed hope that voters would seek out trustworthy and capable individuals who will use the power entrusted to them solely for the public good.
He particularly noted, "The world can become hell or heaven depending on the mindset and attitude of elected officials," adding, "The power of voting is stronger than one might think. Whether those elected become diligent servants who enrich our lives or malignant rulers who destroy the world and inflict suffering on the people is in the hands of the sovereign."
He pointed out that if there are politicians or political groups uncomfortable with this message, they are precisely the entrenched interests that the sovereign must overcome through voting.
On the previous day, during the second day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, President Lee had also appealed for voter participation, stating, "Abandoning your vote is akin to abandoning the future of yourself and your family."
With the early voting turnout for this local election reaching a record high of 23.51%, he seems to be encouraging further interest in the main voting event.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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