According to the National Election Commission, overseas voting took place at 158 polling stations in 107 countries for 6 days from March 28. 56,456 out of 123,571 overseas voters participated in overseas voting, with a voter turnout reaching 45.7%.

Those currently residing in the following countries took part in overseas voting:

10,293 voters in the USA (44.8%), 9,793 in Japan (52.6%), 7,876 in China (32.9%), 1,931 in Canada (43.7%), 673 in Russia (50.9%), 1,501 in Germany (56.9%), 589 in the UK (47.4%) and 876 in France (51.6%)

Voters who participated in overseas voting by continental groups are as shown below:

28,218 voters in Asia (41.1%), 17,053 in America (49.1%), 7,642 in Europe (57.0%), 2,305 in the Middle East (50.8%) and 1,238 in Africa (56.8%)

The ballot papers marked and sealed in envelopes by overseas voters will be returned into the country. Diplomatic pouches or specially designed bags will be used for delivery. Most of the overseas votes are scheduled to arrive at the Incheon International Airport between April 3 and 8.

Especially, to safely bring the overseas votes back, the NEC has made thorough arrangements as follows:

-       For overseas missions located in cities that have direct flights to Incheon:  

Deliveries to be made using diplomatic pouches

-       For overseas missions located in cities that have no direct flights to Incheon:

Deliveries to be made by a person

The NEC has already informed each party of information relating to the return of overseas votes such as delivery routes from overseas missions and departure/arrival times of flights.

Once overseas votes arrive at the Incheon International Airport, the NEC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Korea Post will check them in the presence of the observer nominated by the political parties. The confirmed overseas votes will then be sent to each Gu/Si/Gun election commission by registered mail.

The overseas votes received by each Gu/Si/Gun election commission will be put in the overseas ballot boxes in the presence of the observer nominated by the political parties. The overseas ballot boxes will then be moved to the counting centers and opened after 6pm on election day.

The NEC expressed its gratitude to those who participated in overseas voting for the 19^th National Assembly elections held for the first time in the constitutional history, despite their tough local circumstances. The NEC also kindly requested these overseas voters to take part in the 18^th Presidential election to be held on December 19.

At the beginning of this year, the NEC made a budget of 21.3 billion Korean Won for the secure management of overseas voting for the 19^th National Assembly elections.

However a drastic reduction in budget is expected through efforts as below:

Computerize registration of overseas voters and print ballot papers using ballot printers at the overseas polling stations instead of sending out ballot papers to overseas voters