South Korea exit polls show opposition parties increase majority

South Koreans are heading to the polls to elect a new parliament.  Experts consider the election to be a litmus test on the leadership of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Al Jazeera reports that the main opposition Democratic Party and its affiliated parties are expected to strengthen their control by securing around 197 seats in the 300-seat single-chamber legislature, according to a collective exit poll conducted by three prominent TV networks. The elections held on Wednesday were viewed as an evaluation of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s leadership as citizens conveyed discontent regarding the rising cost of living and issues of corruption. Polls closed at 6pm (09:00 GMT).