Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party (PPP) candidate for mayor of Daegu, wears congratulatory flower garlands around his neck at his campaign office, Thursday, after his victory in the local elections become clear. Yonhap
Choo Kyung-ho of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was elected mayor of Daegu in the local elections, Wednesday, retaining the conservative stronghold where a rare liberal victory had increasingly appeared within reach.
Choo garnered 53.82 percent of the vote against Kim Boo-kyum of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)) who received 45.15 percent.
The PPP candidate's victory came after he narrowly led his DPK rival, 49.9 percent to 49.1 percent, in a joint exit poll conducted by broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS.
Multiple polls leading up to the election also showed the two contestants in a tight race.
“I would like to thank the citizens of Daegu for their tremendous support and choice,” Choo said. “I will never forget the trust voters have placed in me, and I will repay it with tangible results.”
He also said he will focus on unity for Daegu's development, saying “I will respect not only those who supported me but also those who chose another candidate.
“I will work to bring everyone together and devote all my efforts solely to the development of Daegu,” h e added
He interpreted his victory as “ mandate from the people to revive the struggling Daegu economy and restore the city's potential.”
He also pledged to strengthen communication with the central government, noting that Daegu is Daegu is only a handful of regions that the cosnertive PPP managd to hold in the local elections.
Source: Korea Times News
