South Koreans to elect new President this week after tight race

SEOUL, March 6 -- South Koreans will elect a new president this week, capping off a neck-and-neck race between two leading contenders whose promises of improved livelihoods and a fairer society were largely overshadowed by scandals and feuds.

Wednesday's election has shaped up to be a two-way race between former Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae Myung of the ruling Democratic Party and former prosecutor-general Yoon Suk Yeol of the main opposition People Power Party, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee, the liberal candidate, has used his background in public administration to campaign under the slogan of a competent and pragmatic president who will get things done in both the economy and foreign relations.

Meanwhile, Yoon, the conservative candidate, has ridden a wave of public anger at the Moon Jae In administration to seize on a message of fairness, common sense and principle.

In the polls, the two have long competed within the margin of error at around 40 per cent support each.

A potential tiebreaker arrived last Thursday when the third-placed candidate, Ahn Cheol Soo of the minor opposition People's Party, dropped out of the race to support Yoon.

The impact of that coalition will be difficult to gauge, however, as the law prohibits the release of polls conducted within six days of the election until after voting closes.

Recent polls had shown Ahn posting around 10 per cent, followed by Sim Sang Jeung of the minor progressive Justice Party at less than 5 per cent.

This year's race saw competing pledges on the economy, foreign relations and social issues, although some of them were accused of being populist ideas.

-- BERNAMA