Opposition candidate Yoon Suk-yeol was elected South Korea's next President on Thursday after an "unbelievably" close race that underlined deep divisions along regional, generational and gender lines and could weaken his mandate even before taking office. With 99 per cent of the vote counted, Yoon of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) had 48.59 per cent of the vote against Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party (DP)'s 47.79 per cent, Yonhap news agency reported, citing the National Election Commission. The less than 1 percentage point gap makes this year's election the closest-ever. "We, the people of the Republic of Korea, are one. Regardless of region, camp or class, the people of the Republic of Korea are equal people of this nation wherever they are, and must be treated fairly," Yoon said in an address before party officials at the National Assembly. "I will consider national unity as my top priority," he said. Ruling party candidate Lee conceded defeat and congratulated Yoon. "I did my best but failed to live up to your expectations," he said. "All responsibility lies with me. I extend my congratulations to candidate Yoon Suk-yeol." Yoon also said that he learned during the campaign "what is required in order to become a national leader and how to listen to the voices of the people." (IANS)
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