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| ▲ Jin Kyo-hoon (R) of the main opposition Democratic Party, along with his wife, Park Eun-ja, reacts at his campaign office after winning a by-election to become the head of Gangseo Ward in Seoul on Oct. 11, 2023. The election drew attention as it was regarded as a litmus test for the general elections set for April next year. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
presidential office-by-election
Yoon's office says election results must be accepted 'sternly'
By Lee Haye-ah
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The office of President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday that the results of any election should be accepted "sternly," following the ruling party's defeat in a crucial by-election in Seoul.
Jin Kyo-hoon of the main opposition Democratic Party won Wednesday's by-election for chief of Gangseo Ward, defeating his rival Kim Tae-woo of the ruling People Power Party by a larger-than-expected margin of 17.15 percentage points.
The by-election was closely watched as a barometer of voter sentiment ahead of parliamentary elections slated for next April.
"The government's position is that the result of any election should be accepted sternly," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency.
While Yoon's office has not issued a formal response to the election outcome, presidential officials have been reluctant to interpret the result as a judgment by the general public, given that the Gangseo area has traditionally been a DP stronghold.
"If we take this as a strong vaccination shot, it could turn into good medicine," a presidential official said, adding he expects the administration to conduct a review of state affairs so far.
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