More than 500 candidates have secured automatic victories ahead of South Korea’s local elections scheduled for June 3 after running without opposition in their constituencies, according to the country’s election authorities.
The National Election Commission announced that voting will not take place in 307 electoral districts due to uncontested races or a shortage of candidates, Yonhap News Agency reported Saturday.
Among the unopposed winners are three local government leaders affiliated with the ruling Democratic Party. They include Kim I-gang, head of Seo district in Gwangju, Kim Byung-nae, chief of Nam district in Gwangju, and Lim Byeong-taek, mayor of Siheung city near Seoul.
Gwangju has traditionally been regarded as a political stronghold of the Democratic Party. In Siheung, the opposition People Power Party reportedly chose not to nominate a candidate because of a lack of viable contenders.
The remaining uncontested candidates include 510 local council members from districts across the country.
Election officials said a total of 7,829 candidates completed registration during the two-day filing period for the upcoming polls.
The June elections will determine leadership positions in 16 metropolitan cities and provinces, alongside education superintendent roles and 14 vacant seats in the National Assembly.
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