People Power Party Intensifies Efforts to Secure Votes in Low Turnout Areas

On June 1, just two days before the local elections, the People Power Party launched a final push to secure votes in areas with low early voting turnout. The early voting rate reached a record high of 23.5% over the previous two days, but conservative strongholds like Daegu and Busan showed lower participation, prompting efforts to rally support among their base.

During a press conference at the National Assembly, Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, urged voters to judge the arrogant Lee Jae-myung government and ruling party through their ballots. "I know that the People Power Party has many shortcomings, and I feel sorry for that. We must reflect on our actions," he said. "However, we must protect the Republic of Korea, which is on the brink. Please provide at least minimal checks on this arrogant power." He added, "I earnestly ask you to press the control button on the ruling party, which is intoxicated by its overwhelming power and the taste of authority, and to warn them through your votes against the Democratic Party's reckless behavior."

Song further warned that if voters do not act now, the Lee Jae-myung administration will push for a special investigation into the cancellation of charges, and the Democratic Party's Jeong Cheong-rae will monopolize the National Assembly committees, leading to legislative dictatorship. He cautioned that if not checked, the government could fully seize control of the Supreme Court once Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's term ends in June next year, potentially resulting in two years of chaotic governance.

Jeong Jeong-sik, the party's policy committee chair, noted that the outcome of the election could hinge on a narrow margin of just 1-2%. He emphasized that the election's fate will depend on who turns out to vote on the main election day, urging voters to check the arrogance of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party.

In the early voting held on May 29-30, Jeollanam-do recorded the highest turnout at 38.95%, while Daegu had the lowest at 18.65%. Gyeonggi Province and Busan followed with 20.96% and 21.29%, respectively. The low early voting rate in Daegu is attributed to conservative voters preferring to vote on the main election day. Some staunch supporters have expressed distrust in early voting, alleging election fraud. Nevertheless, Song had previously sent text messages to party members urging them to participate in early voting, stating, "The fate of our country depends on how many party members and supporters show up at the polls during the three days of early voting and the main election day."

On the day of the press conference, Song planned to focus his campaign efforts in Daegu and Gyeonggi Province, where early voting turnout was low. He clarified that his schedule was not solely based on early voting rates, explaining that he had committed to support Lee Jin-sook, the candidate for the Dalseong District, in Daegu. He also aimed to inform voters about the serious flaws in the Democratic Party's candidate for Gyeonggi governor, Choo Mi-ae, which have been largely unreported. However, he had to cancel his Gyeonggi schedule due to an accident involving Hanwha Aerospace in Daejeon.