The four major candidates in the nation's 20th presidential election are (from left) Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol of the People Power Party, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party. (Yonhap News)

By Kang Gahui and Yoon Sojung

The official campaign period for the nation's 20th presidential election slated for March 9 began on Feb. 15.

The 22-day period will end on March 8 at midnight.

The National Election Commission said 14 candidates registered to run for the presidency including Lee Jaemyung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol of the People Power Party, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party.

The candidate earning the most popular votes on March 9 will be elected. He or she will take office in May to lead the Republic of Korea over the next five years.

This is the first presidential election to allow people aged 18 to vote under a 2020 amendment to the Public Official Election Act. Any citizen can take part in an election campaign except for those under age 18 or with no voting rights, public servants or foreign nationals.

The candidates can give speeches at public places or do the same or engage in discussions using motor vehicles or speakers. They can use public places for speeches or discussions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and speakers from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Meanwhile, those under quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 can vote from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

The National Assembly on Feb. 14 also passed an amendment to the election law in a plenary session to allow those under quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus to visit nearby polling stations during the designated hours to vote on Election Day.

kgh89@korea.kr