Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of voting on June 3, stating that each vote represents a right secured through the blood and sweat of many citizens. He urged voters to actively participate and help democracy flourish. Jeong highlighted instances in previous local elections where candidates won by a tie in votes or by a single vote, reiterating his call for citizens to head to the polls.
During a meeting of the Central Election Countermeasures Committee held at the National Assembly, Jeong remarked, "Today is the day when the people, the true owners of the country, decide the future of our regions and South Korea. Today's democracy is built on the efforts of citizens who fought for and protected their right to vote."
He added, "The first general election in 1948 laid the foundation for our democratic republic. Citizens took to the streets to reclaim their votes stolen in the March 15 rigged election and fought against military dictatorship during the June Democratic Uprising to achieve direct elections. The vote we cast today is a right preserved through the sacrifices and dedication of countless citizens. Since elections are the flower of democracy, I hope everyone participates to make that flower bloom brightly."
Jeong further emphasized that there have been cases in electoral history where identical vote counts or results decided by a single vote occurred, urging voters to exercise their precious right at the polls.
"My vote can change the elected official, local policies, and the future of our community. This is not just a cliché politicians say during elections," he explained. "In the past six local elections, there have been seven instances where candidates were elected with the same number of votes, and 13 cases where results were determined by a single vote."
He concluded, "The weight of your vote is never light. I earnestly ask you to come to the polls with a sense of urgency that your candidate may be one vote short. Please show through your vote who the true owners of South Korea are and choose the path our country should take."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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