As a result of the by-election on Oct. 26, according to the National Election Commission, Seo Dae Gil (The Grand National Party – Hannara) became the next provincial assembly representative for district 19, which covers Hangyung and Chuja areas.
The Jeju Election Commission started ballot count at 8:30 p.m. on the night of election and Seo Dae Gil was announced as the new assembly representative at 11 p.m.
Out of the 8,939 eligible voters 62.8 percent (5,613 people) voted. Out of the roughly 50 by-elections throughout the nation, Jeju’s had the highest percentage of voter turnout.
For the campaign, Seo, at 55, emphasized his relative youth compared to his older opponents.
The election was definitely a nail-biter. Seo won with 2,242 votes, only two more votes compared to the runner up Song Bang Taek of the Democratic Party who had 2,240 votes.
Seo’s campaign focused on social welfare policies for children, women, and the elderly, and to improve on the education system to promote the influx of younger generations to Hangyung and Chuja, and development of environmental friendly tour programs.
<Angela Kim angelakim@jejuweekly.com ⓒ Jeju Weekly All rights reserved>
