President Lee: Voter Apathy Gives Power to Self-Serving Individuals

President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 31 that "the silence and apathy of voters give opportunities to those who deceive the public, abuse power for personal gain, and ruin the lives of themselves and their families."
 
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he quoted the Greek philosopher Plato, saying, "The cost of political indifference is being ruled by the worst of the worst."
 
He urged citizens to actively participate in voting to demonstrate that the residents of this country are the people, to clarify where power should be directed, and to express the will of the sovereign. "I hope you will seek out and give opportunities to those who will use the power entrusted by the people solely for the people's will, with loyalty and competence," he added.
 
Lee emphasized that "the world can become hell or heaven depending on the mindset and attitude of elected officials," asserting that "the power of voting is stronger than one might think. Whether those elected become loyal servants who enrich our lives or malignant rulers who destroy the world and inflict suffering on the people depends on the hands of the sovereign."
 
He pointed out, "If there are politicians or political groups uncomfortable with this statement, they are precisely the entrenched vested interests that the sovereign must overcome through voting."
 
Earlier, on the second day of early voting for the June 3 local elections, he 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 appears to be urging citizens to pay attention to the upcoming main voting day.