South Korea’s 21st parliamentary election was officially held.

It is reported that 300 parliamentary seats will be elected, including 253 MPS from various constituencies and 47 proportional representation seats. Voting began simultaneously from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time at 14,330 polling stations across the country. After the polls close, 27,700 ballot boxes will be opened at 251 counting stations across the country.

To prevent the spread of THE COVID-19 virus, health inspectors put in place multiple precautions at polling stations, including taking body temperature and distancing voters, and disinfecting polling stations at all times after everyone has voted. After disinfecting their hands, voters wear disposable gloves to cast their ballots. Electors whose body temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees must cast their votes in a separate ballot box.

According to the Central Electoral Affairs Commission, the vote count will reach 70 percent at around 2 am local time Saturday, when the names of the candidates in each constituency will be known. The work of proportional representatives will end at about 8 am local time on the 16th. The central Election Commission held a meeting that afternoon to determine the distribution results of proportional representatives among the political parties.

In addition, 26.69 percent of the more than 43.99 million South Korean voters turned out to vote early on October 10-11 to avoid the spread of the epidemic, a record high turnout rate. Yonhap news Agency analysis that the parliamentary election may set a new record turnout.