ID :
86536
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 10:31
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/86536
The shortlink copeid
By-election voter turnout low as of 9 a.m.
SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- Voter turnout for Wednesday's by-elections stood at 8.6 percent as of 9 a.m., lower than the figure at the same hour in the previous race, the election watchdog's said.
About 17,000 out of 864,860 eligible voters have cast ballots since the polls
opened at 6 a.m., lower than 9.5 percent during the 2008 by-elections.
The National Election Commission predicted a mid-30 percent turnout, citing
public concern at the quickly spreading flu virus.
The voting booths at 290 polling stations close at 8 p.m.
Only five seats of the National Assembly are up for grabs, but the by-elections
have been likened to a vote of confidence for President Lee Myung-bak and the
ruling Grand National Party (GNP) as the constituencies are spread throughout the
nation. The race is also a barometer ahead of local elections next year.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
About 17,000 out of 864,860 eligible voters have cast ballots since the polls
opened at 6 a.m., lower than 9.5 percent during the 2008 by-elections.
The National Election Commission predicted a mid-30 percent turnout, citing
public concern at the quickly spreading flu virus.
The voting booths at 290 polling stations close at 8 p.m.
Only five seats of the National Assembly are up for grabs, but the by-elections
have been likened to a vote of confidence for President Lee Myung-bak and the
ruling Grand National Party (GNP) as the constituencies are spread throughout the
nation. The race is also a barometer ahead of local elections next year.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
