Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) – A huge cloud of confusion is hanging over the eve of South Korean general elections, as polls are set to open tomorrow, Apr. 15.

The Uri party has gained un upswing of people's support since the impeachment of President Roh, supported by the party, was rejected by 7 out of 10 South Koreans surveyed.  However, the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), the former majority progressive and now opposition party, has experienced a spiraling downfall of support for having backed the president's impeachment.      

On Apr. 12 Uri party chairman, Chung Dong-young, withdrew from his leadership position. His decision came after certain controversial statements he made when urging 60-70 year old citizens to stay home so that youth could decide the country's future.

All this has created a drop in Uri party support.

According to recently performed surveys the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) will win elections, thanks to the new leadership of Park Geun-hye, the daughter of former military dictator, Chung-hee. Park Geun-hye has promised that economy will flourish under her administration.

Notwithstanding "at this critical juncture we can't be sure which party will win the majority of seats in Parliament," many people have said.  

On Apr. 12 some important newspapers predicted a GNP defeat in elections. The GNP is an anti-communist party, yet has been charged with moral corruption and its politicians are viewed as "con artists".

Some analysts have said that, given the current situation, the only partly that is sure to win the elections is the Pyongyang.

Just recently The Korea Development Research Center published a report in which we read "popular South Korean conscience is on the rise in terms of supporting the nation's independence and backing anti-American sentiments" while "conservative, anti-communist forces, once accepted, have now been rejected."

As a consequence the "anti-Americanism and desire for independence of the South Korean masses have reached unprecedented proportions," the research center's report said. (MR)

• south
• korea
• elections
• impeachment