South Korea holds parliamentary elections April 11. President Lee Myung Bak’s ruling New Frontier Party is trying to keep control of the country’s legislature amid growing public discontent over income inequality and rising inflation. The main opposition Democratic United Party and its coalition partner, the United Progressive Party, are also hoping to capitalize on a series of recent scandals, including allegations the President ordered illegal surveillance of citizens critical of him. However, Lee’s popularity received a boost after he successfully hosted 53 other world leaders at a nuclear security summit in Seoul last week. The vote is seen as a prelude to a presidential poll in December that could transform South Korea’s policy towards its dangerously erratic and isolated neighbor North Korea.
Ballot Box Watch: Your Guide to April Elections
Global Spin previews this month's upcoming polls around the world
South Korea
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