South Korea’s cabinet is set to officially confirm June 3 as a special presidential election date after President Yoon Suk Yeol was dramatically dumped last week, local media reported on Monday.
He was impeached by the Constitutional Court after proclaiming martial law on December 3 for a short and controversial period, placing the military troops to prevent parliamentary proceedings. The decree it was considered as a grave breach to his presidential duties.
The cabinet is to make a decision on Tuesday, April 8, according to Yonhap news agency. Although the election timing is legally bound to be within 60 days of a president’s termin, the cabinet must consent to make an official public holiday on the vote date.
Masses have poured into the streets of Seoul in recent days, rejoicing at what most see as the reestablishment of Democracy and Constitutionalism. On April 5, tens of thousands turned up to demonstrate in support of the impeachment and loss by expulsion of Yoon.
A visitor to the National Election Commission confirmed that June 3 is still tentative until formally announced by Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
As South Korea begins an unexpected leadership handover, the spotlight is shifted to the impending election campaign, slated to be a brief and strongly waged affair.
