Opposition Party Candidate Expected to Win Seoul Mayoral Election
This is not a good sign for the ruling party and President Moon who’s policies have become increasingly unpopular in South Korea:
Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is expected to win the Seoul mayoral seat by a solid margin in Wednesday’s by-elections, seen as a major bellwether for next year’s presidential election, an exit poll showed.
Oh defeated his rival from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) Park Young-sun 59 percent to 37.7 percent in the exit poll, jointly released by three broadcasters: KBS, MBC and SBS.
Yonhap
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It remains to be seen whether or not this is the beginning of the end for the Democratic Party in regards to the presidential elections next year and future elections.
Like the Democratic Party which squandered away their political capital after winning the presidential, local, and parliamentary elections, Korean politicians mistake their election wins as a mandate from the people when in fact it was more of the people voting for them because they were angry at the other guy.
If the new mayors of Seoul and Busan squander away their political capital then yes the Democratic Party will take the presidency next year. If they play their cards right the People’s Power Party will reside in the Blue House for the next five years if not, well….