South Korea presidential election: The South Korean government has approved June 3 as the date for conducting the snap presidential election, following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol last week after he implemented a short-lived martial law in the country last year.
The South Korean government’s cabinet agreed to the date of June 3 after holding discussions with the National Election Commission as a public holiday would be declared on account of the election.
Yoon was first impeached by the South Korea’s parliament and later on removed by the Constitutional Court last week for violating his official duty by implementing the martial law in the country on December 3 and mobilising security personnel around the parliament building to disrupt the parliamentary proceedings.
An effigy depicting impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is displayed at a camp set up by protesters in opposition to Yoon, in Seoul. (AP photo)
As per South Korea’s constitution, the law requires an election to be held within 60 days if the position of president becomes vacant for any reason.
In a state of political turmoil since former President Yoon imposed martial law, South Korea has been facing protests and political instability after Yoon’s shock declaration of martial law which led to his impeachment by parliament and now removed by the Constitutional Court.
The country was stunned after acting leader Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was also impeached by the parliament, however, his impeachment was overturned by the Constitutional Court and he is currently serving as the acting president of South Korea until the elections are held.
The South Korea administration’s power vacuum at the apex level is leading the country into a policy paralysis situation while dealing with the administration of US President Donald Trump at a time of spiralling US tariffs and slowing growth in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
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