Democratic Party's Chung Cheong-rae Urges Early Voting Turnout in Seoul

Chung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged active voter participation on Saturday, the first day of early voting for the local elections, saying, "If we win Seoul, we win the nation."

After casting his ballot in his constituency of Mapo District, Seoul, Chung told reporters, "Power does not come from the barrel of a gun but from the polling station."

"If you vote, we win," he stressed. "If you want a particular candidate to win, please make sure to vote."

Explaining why he cast his early vote in Seoul, Chung said, "If we win Seoul, we win the nation. While no election in Seoul, Busan, or elsewhere is unimportant, I really want to win in Seoul."

Regarding interpretations that People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk is not participating in early voting due to concerns about hardline supporters, Chung said, "They will handle it on their own. We will do our best to bring even one more Democratic Party supporter to the polling station."

He added, "Today is a day to express the spirit of the Constitution and the principle of popular sovereignty through voting. I hope the power of the vote will show the gravity of the Constitution to those forces that have destroyed the Constitution and attacked democracy."

Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, also cast an early ballot in Seoul's Jung District the same day. His wife, Moon Hye-jung, accompanied him to the early voting.

"In this election, I ask you to elect a mayor who will firmly establish safety as the top priority," Jung said. "Through early voting, please elect a mayor who will reliably and comfortably support citizens' daily lives and cheer on their lives."

Regarding the Seoul mayoral candidate debate held the previous day, he said, "I believe those who watched will have judged who would serve citizens more safely and comfortably. As feared, there were dark negative attacks, and I find that part regrettable."

On his campaign strategy for the remaining election period, Jung explained, "Since campaigning had been suspended, I plan to start campaign activities first in the regions where it was halted. As planned, I will conduct early voting encouragement activities and wrap up with campaigning and policy pledges directed at those who have not yet decided their vote."

Regarding the Seoul mayoral race outlook, Jung said, "There are various poll results, some showing wide gaps and others showing tight races. Regardless, I predicted months ago that the Seoul election would result in a close race and have prepared accordingly."

"Citizens' demand for competent leadership will be revealed through this election," he said. "It will be close, but I will definitely win."