Candidates to gear up campaigns as registration opens

Ruling and opposition presidential hopefuls officially registered Sunday for the December 19 poll, which has become a two-horse race after a popular software mogul unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy to throw his support behind a liberal candidate.

Park Geun-hye, the front-runner for the ruling Saenuri Party, will face Moon Jae-in of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) in the upcoming vote, after independent candidate Ahn Cheol-soo on Friday quit after weeks of talks with Moon for a liberal alliance stuck in deadlock.

On the first day of the two-day registration period, Park was the first to pur her name on the roster.

"I laid down everything to get selected by voters so as to bring new changes to the nation and make the public's dreams come true," Park said, as she stepped down from her parliamentary seat before registering her name. "If I fail to earn voter's trust in this election, I will put an end to my political voyage."

It is the second time the 60-year-old veteran politician has bid to be the nation's first female president after she narrowly lost to now President Lee Myung-bak in a 2007 party primary. Lee is barred from seeking re-election by law.

In his first press conference after becoming the single liberal candidate, Moon thanked Ahn for making a tough decision to unite forces against the conservative rival.

"Ahn's determination allowed me to register as a unified liberal candidate. I am grateful, at the same time, very sorry," Moon said during the conference at his office. "Ahn's dream for new politics has become our dream. With his support, I will change the government and usher in a new era."

The 59-year-old promised to fulfill pledges for political reform and expand social welfare for ordinary people.

"Please vote for forces that will improve welfare and people's livelihoods against forces that stand by the large conglomerates and the privileged," Moon said.

While both Park and Moon have pledged to improve relations with North Korea and narrow income gaps in Asia's fourth-largest economy, political analysts expect the race could turn into a proxy battle between former presidents from opposite sides of South Korea's political spectrum due to their close associations with the candidates.

Park is a daughter of late President Park Chung-hee, who laid the foundation of the nation's economy but, at the same time, suppressed a nascent democracy movement during his 18-year rule.

While the Army general-turned-president is a rallying point for conservatives, liberals criticize him for his human rights infringements.

Moon, a former human rights lawyer, may face attacks for the shortcomings of the former administration of President Roh Moo-hyun, as he served as chief of staff for the liberal president.

Though Roh was not popular when he stepped down in 2008 mainly due to the sluggish economy and his straightforward language, he later became an icon for progressives for his contribution to making society more democratic and open.

With the outcome of the race far from certain, both camps have been seeking ways to draw Ahn's supporters to their sides.

Ahn, who has no political experience, has been at the center of South Korean political discussion and debate for more than a year, drawing huge support from young and liberal voters.

Despite his popularity, many questioned his qualifications to be a leader of a country still facing threats from North Korea, due to his lack of experience in politics and government.

While Ahn, Moon and a minor progressive candidate registered earlier in the day, two independents and one left-wing lawmaker are expected to register by the deadline set on Monday.

The official campaign period begins on Tuesday to run for 22 days, in which candidates can drum up support through phone calls, mail, media advertisements and street canvassing, the National Election Commission said.

Candidates will be allowed give speeches up to 20 minutes, aired on television and radio stations, and television debates will be held three times on prime time before the polling day under the host of the election watchdog, it said.

Meanwhile, police said they have set up election situation rooms across the nation and stepped up security for major presidential candidates to protect possible threats during their street campaigns and public appearances. (Yonhap)