South Korea holds a presidential election on 3 June – after months of political turmoil and a power vacuum caused by former leader Yoon Seok-yol’s failed attempt to impose martial law.
Pre-election polls indicated that liberal leader Lee Jae-men, could win amid public disillusionment with conservatives after Yoon’s martial law action.
Both Lee Jae-men and his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo have promised change for the country, saying the current political system and economic model, are no longer fit for purpose.
Kim was labour minister under Yoon.
The results of exit polls conducted by the three television networks will be released after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Early voting for the election was held on 29 May.
South Korea’s previous president, Yoon Seok-yeol, went on trial on 14 April for imposing martial law. He is accused of attempted mutiny. He denies it.
Yoon was previously formally removed from office after lawmakers impeached him for his attempt on 3 December to “undermine civilian rule, resulting in armed soldiers being sent to parliament.”
On 1 May, South Korea’s acting president, South Korean Prime Minister Han Dok-soo, announced his resignation.