The winner of Tuesday’s presidential election in South Korea will take office just a day later, forgoing the usual, two-month transition to serve a full, five-year term at a time when the country faces a deepening political divide and external

The top candidates in the South Korean presidential race made their final campaign pitches to voters on Monday, one day before a snap election caused by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law decree and impeachment.

South Koreans are voting to elect a new president after enduring months of political turmoil sparked by former leader Yoon Suk Yeol 's botched attempt to impose martial law last December. Turnout is expected to be high with voting open for 14 hours until 8pm local time at 14,295 polling stations across the country.