Record number of Korean voters register for 22nd National Assembly Overseas Elections in Delhi
제22대 국회의원 재외선거: Starting from March 27, the voting process will continue at the Embassy and consulates till April 1, ahead of South Korea's national assembly elections scheduled on April 10.
NEW DELHI: Korean nationals living in New Delhi and NCR towns – Gurugram and Noida as well as those living and working in Chandigarh and Dharamshala have exhibited a high amount of interest in the 22nd National Assembly Overseas Elections, the voting process for which is scheduled to begin on 27th March.
The percentage of Korean nationals who applied for exercising their voting rights for the National Assembly Overseas Elections in New Delhi NCR was registered at 21, much higher than the global average of 7.6 percent. As many as 840 out of approximate 4000 eligible Korean voters in Delhi NCR, and other northern states have registered to participate in the voting process. The last date for registration was February 10.
Globally approximately 150,701 applicants of the estimated 1.97 million overseas voters registered for the 22nd National Assembly Overseas Elections at the rate of around 7.6 percent. The voting process at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi and other consulates in Mumbai and Chennai would begin at 8.00am (IST) in India.
South Korea’s national assembly elections will take place on 10 April with ruling People Power Party (PPP) and Democratic Party (DP) fielding their candidates. Current president Yoon Suk-yeol is from the PPP, although the DP currently holds the majority seat in the national assembly with 163 of the 297 seats.
According to SONG Jinhwa, Consul General, Korean Embassy, New Delhi the Korean citizens staying and working in Delhi and NCR towns such as Gurugram and Noida showed increased interest in the voting process for the upcoming National Assembly elections starting on 27th March.
“The Korean nationals living in Delhi and surrounding cities have assumed great responsibility towards 22nd National Assembly Overseas Elections, and registered in high percentage of above 21 as 840 registered for the voting process. Our embassy staff worked hard to publicize about these elections and the voting process, and spread posters containing information about these elections in the region to evoke interest of the Korean nationals towards the elections,” Mr. SONG added.
However, considering the fact that the coming weekend featuring Good Friday on 29 March and Easter Day on 31st March (Sunday), it is expected that some Korean nationals might leave Delhi with their families on weekend excursion, and may skip voting process.
Mr. SONG has appealed to the Korean community to act responsibly and participating in the electoral process by casting their vote before planning any tour this weekend.
The response in Mumbai and Chennai also was seen to be high with more than 700 voters on each location registering for the elections.
As the interest and participation of overseas voters is more important than anything else, the National Election Commission strengthened voting participation promotional activities using various media such as broadcasting, newspapers, and online, while conducting flawless elections so that the precious wishes of overseas voters are accurately reflected.
According to a statement of the National Election Commissioner of the Republic of Korea, among the total number of reportees and registered, there are 120,541 overseas voters with resident registration in Korea, and 30,160 overseas voters (including 25,743 people registered on the permanent list). This is 7.6% of the estimated 1.97 million overseas voters, a 15.0% decrease from the 177,348 people in the 21st National Assembly election.
It further stated that due to the decrease in international students and general overseas residents, the ‘estimated number of overseas voters (1,974,375 people)’ for the 22nd National Assembly election decreased by 175,316 (8.2%) compared to the 21st National Assembly election (2,149,691 people).
