GNP Leader Ahead in the Polls

Lee Hoi Chang, the GNP leader, holds a slight lead going into the by-election in Songpa-gab District, according to a May 15 poll. Mr. Lee received 50.8 percent, while the ULD candidate, Kim Hee Wan, trailed with 34.5 percent.
According to Joongang Ilbo's recent survey of 1,001 eligible voters, the recognition ratios of the two candidates are 97.9 percent for Lee and 76.3 percent for Mr. Kim.
Lee received 95.2 percent support of the GNP backers polled, 36.5 percent of ULD, and 18.1 percent of NCNP supporters.
Kim obtained 73.5 percent from NCNP supporters, surprisingly only 50.5 percent of ULD supporters' backing, while he managed only 2 percent support from GNP backers.
People in their 20's supported Kim with 44.0 percent while Lee only received 37.2 percent.
However, Lee's support grew higher than Kim's, in direct proportion to the increasing age of those polled.
The voters in this area judge Lee's candidacy as making the GNP a stronger opposition party (55.5 percent) rather than being indicative of a change in government(44.3 percent).
Jooan Kang : jooan@joongang.co.kr