By-Elections Are Barometer for Presidential Election

Before the 17th presidential election, public sentiment will be measured in by-elections on April 25 in Korea’s 55 constituencies.

During the elections, three lawmakers will be selected in Gyeonggi Hwaseong, Daejeon Seo-gu, and Muan-Shinan of South Jeolla Province. Six local governors will be elected, including one for Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, and nine city lawmakers and 38 local lawmakers will be chosen.

The result of the elections will have a considerable effect on the presidential election and indicate the status of the competition between Grand National Party frontrunners and the integration movement of the pan-ruling Party.

Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The National Election Commission expects that winners will largely be determined by 11 p.m.; Muan-Shinan district with many islands will have their final outcomes tallied after 12 p.m.

yongari@donga.com