TOKYO (Sputnik) – National KBS broadcaster projected 121-143 mandates for President Park Geun-hye’s party in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The Minjoo Party of Korea was forecast to gain 101-123 seats, followed by the People’s Party at 32-41.
The Muhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) station’s forecast had Saenuri landing 118-136 seats, followed by 107-128 for Minjoo and 32-42 for the People’s Party. The Seoul Broadcasting System had Saenuri slightly up at 123-147, 97-120 for Minjoo and 31-43 for the People’s Party.
The polls have been described as a litmus test ahead of the 2017 presidential elections. Park’s single 5-year term ends early 2018 and she is constitutionally barred from seeking reelection.
Park’s rule has been marked by deteriorating relations with North Korea, canceled inter-Korean economic cooperation projects, increased military exercises with the United States and threats from Pyongyang to conduct nuclear strikes on Seoul and Washington.
