Campaigning begins today for the April 3rd by-elections.<br />Until the eve of election day.... campaigners will be reaching out to voters and pitching their policies.<br />Kim Min-ji reports. <br />The race is on for the April 3rd by-elections -- with the official campaigning period kicking off on Thursday.<br />For the next 13 days,... candidates will be able to reach out to voters and sell their policy pledges to the public -- by putting up banners in their districts or using loudspeakers, e-mails and social networking services.<br /><br />This time, two parliamentary seats are up for grabs.<br />They are the districts of 'Changwon-Seongsan' and 'Tongyeong-Goseong' -- both in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. <br /><br />The seat for Changwon was left vacant following the suicide of Roh Hoe-chan of the minor Justice Party last year.<br />And the Tongyeong seat is empty after Lee Koon-hyon of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party was convicted for violating the political funds law.<br /><br />Although it's only two seats,... it will serve as a litmus test to see public sentiment towards the political parties,... especially ahead of the general elections next year.<br />Rival parties have their sleeves rolled up to fight for the seats.<br />Sitting lawmakers will also be out in the districts,... in a show of support for the candidates of their respective parties,... making the case that they are the best options.<br />Liberal politicians have received firm support in Changwon,... while conservatives have a stronger foothold in Tongyeong.<br /><br />Whoever wins the by-elections will serve for about a year,... as their term lasts only to the next general elections -- which is April 2020.<br />Early voting will take place for two days starting next Friday.<br />Kim Min-ji, Arirang News. <br />
