Acting President Han Duck-soo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Acting President Han Duck-soo spoke by phone with the chief of the National Election Commission (NEC) on Friday to discuss steps for a snap presidential election following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In the phone talks with NEC chief Roh Tae-ak, Han highlighted the need to ensure a smooth snap election, saying it is key to restoring public trust following the political turmoil caused by Yoon’s martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment, Han’s office said
Han also pointed out that the upcoming election will not just be about choosing a new president, but an important occasion for public unity and South Korea’s future.
Roh said the NEC will cooperate fully with the government to make sure the election will be held in a fair manner and without delay.
After the phone talks, Han officially notified the NEC of the presidential vacancy.
The date for the snap election, which must be held within 60 days of the ouster, is widely expected to be decided at the next Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Han has until April 14 to make the decision.
June 3, the final day of the 60-day window, is widely cited as the most likely election date in political circles. Many believe delaying the election as long as possible under the legal limit will allow sufficient time to safeguard the political rights of voters and candidates.
The NEC began accepting preliminary candidate registrations Friday, the day Yoon’s ouster officially triggered the need for a snap election.
By law, heads of municipal governments intending to run must step down from their positions 30 days before the election. If the vote is held on June 3, they will need to make their decisions by May 4.
The president-elect will assume office immediately upon election, and no separate transition committee will be formed.
(Yonhap)
