The government has officially confirmed June 3rd as the date for the 21st presidential election.
Acting President Han Duck-soo said during a cabinet meeting held at the government seoul building on the 8th, "The government intends to designate June 3rd as the date for the 21st presidential election in the Republic of Korea, considering the smooth execution of legal duties necessary for election management in consultation with the Election Commission and related agencies, as well as the preparation period for each political party."
Han added, "To ensure that the public can exercise their precious right to vote smoothly, the election day will be designated as a temporary holiday."
Emphasizing the importance of elections, Han noted, "Elections are the foundation of a democratic society and the most important system that represents the will of the people," and urged, "Relevant preparations must be thoroughly made so that this election can be fairer and more transparent than ever, and can gain the trust of the people, with close cooperation from relevant ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Election Commission."
Acting President Han said to the ministers, "We have a little over two months left in the time given to us for the nation and the people," and stated, "Without any agitation, we must fulfill our last mission focusing solely on the safety of the people, recovery of livelihoods, and response to the imminent trade war originating from the United States."
He also emphasized, "Ministers should have full authority over their areas of responsibility, and I hope you will make judgments more cool-headedly than ever and act responsibly," adding, "All public officials are urged to perform their duties while firmly maintaining political neutrality in the face of this serious situation of a presidential vacancy."