Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae urged voters to participate in the polls on Wednesday, the day of the 9th nationwide local elections and parliamentary by-elections, saying, "The weight of your single vote is by no means light."
Speaking at a Central Election Strategy Committee meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jung said, "Please come to the polling stations with the desperate sense that your supported candidate is just one vote short."
"As history proves, the ballot is mightier than the bullet. Power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the polling booth," he stressed. "Voting is the most direct and powerful way for the people to realize the constitutional spirit as sovereigns."
He added, "Please do not give up your sovereignty and vote in this election to choose capable and loyal public servants who will faithfully carry out your will. A great and powerful single vote will change the lives of myself and my family, develop our communities, and open a bright tomorrow for the Republic of Korea."
Han Byung-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, also said, "This is a critical election that will determine whether the Republic of Korea regresses to the past or leaps into the future. Each and every vote from the people will decide the future of the Republic of Korea."
Jung and other Democratic Party leadership plan to monitor exit poll results and vote-counting developments from a tally situation room set up at the National Assembly starting at 6 p.m., when voting closes.
