Local Election Turnout Expected to Hit All-Time Low

The 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections are expected to reach an all-time low with a total of 7,829 candidates registered, resulting in an average competition ratio of 1.8 to 1. Out of the 7,829 registered candidates, 4,241 will be elected to local leadership positions, with an average of 1.8 contenders vying for each seat.

In the by-elections for National Assembly seats, held concurrently with the local elections, 47 candidates registered. In the Incheon region, 324 candidates registered, yielding an average competition ratio of 1.73 to 1, a slight decrease compared to the 8th local elections in 2022.

Official election campaigning will commence on May 21.