KOREAN ELECTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26772, 15 May 1948, Page 7

KOREAN ELECTIONS

RIGHT WING VICTORY STRONG SUPPORT FROM INDEPENDENTS N.Z.P. A.—Reuter.—Copyright SEOUL, May 13. The Right Wing Rapid Realisation Korean Independence Party has won the South Korean elections. The party, led by Dr Syngman Rhee, has captured 56 of 195 seats for which votes have been counted. Only five returns have still to come. Many Independent candidates, who won 82 seats, are likely to support Dr Rhee and ensure his election as President. The next biggest party is the Right Wing Hankook Democratic Party, which scored well in urban voting, and won 28 seats. Minor parties have taken 29 seats. The violence which the Communists inspired during the election campaign caused 438 deaths, according to police figures. Only a few disturbances have occurred since the elections. Guards were increased to-night on two Seoul hotels accommodating the members and staff of the United Nations Korea Commission. It is believed that the extra precautions were taken because the police fear active Korean resentment at a statement on the elections by Mr Yasim Mughir (Syria), chairman of the commission. He said the efficiency of the elections was so remarkable “ that in his mind a certain degree of caution and reservation was necessary in appraisal of that efficiency.” Some Koreans regard this as an unwarranted reflection on the conduct of the elections.