Seoul: South Korea’s main opposition party on Sunday demanded the acting president to announce the date of a snap presidential election, following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kim Yoon-deok, the Democratic Party secretary-general, addressed a news conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, urging acting President Han Duck-soo to “swiftly announce the date of the presidential election and declare his political neutrality.” This call to action came two days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment, officially removing him from office over his martial law declaration in December.
By law, South Korea is required to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days of the court’s decision. Han is anticipated to convene a Cabinet meeting this week to finalize the election schedule, with June 3 being the most likely date.
Kim emphasized the need for a “clear punishment” for Yoon to deter any future attempts to undermine the democratic system in unconstitutional and unlawful ways. This sentiment is shared amid the backdrop of rival parties preparing for the upcoming election, with public sentiment deeply divided over Yoon’s impeachment.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is expected to resign from his position as party chairman next week to run in the election, as political parties gear up to win over undecided voters.