Seoul: South Korean voters head to the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, to elect a new president, succeeding President Yoon Suk-yeol, whose sudden declaration of martial law sparked a political crisis in South Korea. Lee Jae-myung leads the polls by a wide margin, while conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo is in second place. The two candidates offer contrasting visions for the future of South Korea, which has approximately 44 million eligible voters.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, outgoing President Yoon declared martial law last December following a budget dispute and was removed from office last April. Although Parliament lifted martial law a few hours later, Yoon’s removal left a power vacuum that lasted for months. Polling stations are scheduled to open in the early morning hours and close in the evening. Initial projections are expected to be released shortly after the closing date, and the winner may become clear that same night.