Voters go to polls for by-elections today

By Kim Se-jeong

Thirty-eight electoral districts will hold by-elections today to pick three assemblymen, a governor and local government chiefs and council members.

The three constituencies that will pick new National Assemblyman to serve a one-year tenure are Bundang B district in Seongnam, Gimhae B district in South Gyeongsang Province and Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. Gangwon Province will pick a governor and 28 local governments and councils will pick representatives.

The election, while relatively small, could give an idea how the parties will fare in the general and presidential elections next year.

Bundang B is a high-stakes game for both candidates ― Kang Jae-sup is the former GNP chairman and Sohn Hak-kyu, the incumbent DP chairman. The election result is expected to boost the winner’s future political career including presidential ambitions.