SEOUL, May 26 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea’s three-way presidential race is narrowing as Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae Myung saw his lead shrink in the latest opinion polls, while People Power Party (PPP) contender Kim Moon Soo gained momentum just days ahead of the vote, Yonhap news agency reported.
With the election now eight days away, Lee remains in front, but his lead over Kim has narrowed significantly.
Meanwhile, Lee Jun Seok of the minor New Reform Party (NRP) is maintaining double-digit support.
According to a Realmeter survey released Saturday, Lee Jae Myung secured 46.6 per cent support, followed by Kim with 37.6 per cent, and the NRP’s Lee at 10.4 per cent.
The poll had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.
In comparison, a Realmeter poll released on May 11, a day before the official campaign began, showed Lee Jae Myung with 52.1 per cent, Kim with 31.1 per cent, and the NRP’s Lee at 6.3 per cent.
Speculation continues over a possible merger between the PPP and the NRP candidates, particularly ahead of Thursday’s early voting kickoff.
The NRP’s Lee, who previously led the PPP, has ruled out withdrawing from the race.
“If there is unification, it would only be achieved if their (PPP) candidate drops out,” Lee said in a text message to party members.
“From the beginning, we made it clear that we intend to finish this race and win.”
The DP’s Lee remains the front-runner in the race to succeed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted following his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
-- BERNAMA-YONHAP
