Shangri-La Dialogue Highlights Japan's Growing Security Role Amid Regional Concerns In recent discussions, China has criticized Japan's strengthening of its defense capabilities as a form of "new militarism." However, there are also positive sentiments regarding Japan's security role in the Asia-Pacific region. Amid concerns that U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific may waver, there is growing hope that Japan can help counter China and support regional stability, although fears persist that Japan's expanded military role could trigger an arms race in the region. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on May 31 that during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security conference held in Singapore, China's criticism of Japan as a "new militarism" did not resonate with other Asia-Pacific nations facing China's maritime expansion. Instead, there was a prevailing atmosphere that appreciated Japan's defense cooperation. While China toned down its criticism of the U.S. at the conference, it continued its offensive against Japan. Meng Xiangqing, a professor at the National Defense University leading the Chinese delegation, questioned Japan's qualifications for international defense cooperation, stating, "Is a country that has not overcome militarism qualified to speak of defense cooperation?" Following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in the National Assembly regarding Taiwan, China has launched a media campaign portraying Japan as embodying "new militarism." Contrary to China's assertions, reactions from the conference were different. Gilbert Teodoro, the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, criticized China for misusing history to unjustly malign Japan. He defended Japan, stating, "Japan is undoubtedly a model for the world." Australia also emphasized the importance of expanding defense cooperation with Japan. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles told reporters, "Operational cooperation with Japan has significantly increased." Australia is enhancing its defense collaboration with Japan, including the decision to introduce upgraded Mogami-class frigates into its Maritime Self-Defense Force. Southeast Asian nations expect Japan to complement U.S. military presence in the region. The Asahi Shimbun reported on June 2 that former Singaporean Deputy Foreign Minister Bilahari Kausikan described Japan as an "anchor" supporting U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Southeast Asian countries, wary of leaning too heavily toward either the U.S. or China amid their rivalry, hope Japan can contribute to maintaining regional balance. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on May 31 that a survey conducted in April by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute among ASEAN experts revealed that for the first time in two years, more than half preferred China over the U.S. if forced to choose between the two. The strategic calculations of Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly complex due to U.S. prioritization and China's economic pressure. While there are growing calls for Japan to expand its role, Southeast Asia is not fully embracing this shift. The Asahi Shimbun reported on June 2 that a senior ASEAN official expressed uncertainty about Japan's future direction in response to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's speech suggesting Japan's defense enhancement would contribute to regional stability, stating, "We do not want an arms race to escalate in this region." An official from an Indonesian think tank also pointed out that Japan has not adequately explained to Southeast Asian nations the reasons behind its military buildup. Japan is pursuing a shift in its post-war security policy through the acquisition of counterstrike capabilities, increased defense spending, and expanded arms exports. The Japanese government explains these measures as responses to China's military expansion, North Korea's missile threats, and changes in the U.S. role. However, concerns remain among Asian nations that have experienced Japan's past aggression that Japan's military role expansion could provoke an arms race in the region. As China's criticisms of Japan fail to gain significant traction, expectations for Japan's security role are growing. However, experts emphasize that for this role to foster regional trust, Japan must clearly communicate the objectives and direction of its defense enhancements to neighboring countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:39:00

Final Campaign Push Ahead of June 3 Local Elections in South Korea On June 2, one day before the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections, Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited Gangwon Province and South Chungcheong Province, respectively, to rally support. The two leaders then returned to Seoul, a key battleground, to encourage voter turnout. Jung campaigned vigorously in Jeongseon and Yeongwol, aiming to reclaim the governorship of Gangwon Province with candidate Woo Sang-ho. Addressing the residents, he stated, "How much do we want to win that I came to Gangwon on the last day? The Democratic Party can fully support the laws and budgets necessary for the eradication of insurrection forces and the development of Gangwon." He characterized the local elections as a chance to strengthen President Lee Jae-myung, overcome martial law and insurrection, and elect capable officials. He promised, "For Gangwon to develop, we need budgets and laws. I will do everything that candidate Woo asks for." Jung also criticized former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, who have been campaigning to consolidate conservative support. He remarked, "Can we accept that those who were impeached by the people and imprisoned for corruption are now wandering around the election scene? We must show that their presence is useless for the normalization of the Republic of Korea and for an effective local government." Meanwhile, Jang toured Cheongyang, Gongju, Dangjin, and Cheonan, focusing on the central region. He campaigned intensively in South Chungcheong Province, having visited the area three times in recent days. In addition to South Chungcheong, he made four visits to Daejeon and one to Sejong over 13 days, totaling eight visits to the Chungcheong region. While campaigning in Dangjin with candidate Kim Tae-heum, Jang urged voters to "entrust the future of a great South Chungcheong to candidate Kim, so we can create a strong province." He criticized Democratic Party candidates, stating, "They couldn’t say a word in debates and don’t even know their own pledges or addresses. They just put up sticks as candidates." He emphasized the need to judge the arrogance of President Lee and the Democratic Party through voting. On the final day of campaigning, both leaders returned to Seoul to encourage citizen participation in voting. Jung held a press conference at the National Assembly, urging voters to support the Democratic Party's candidates, saying, "Vote for the number one candidate from the Democratic Party to give a strong boost to this capable government. Power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the ballot box. We must severely judge the anti-constitutional and anti-democratic forces." He planned to support candidate Jeong Won-o's final campaign rally in Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul. Jang also held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, stating, "This election will determine my life and the future of the Republic of Korea. I will protect the homes, properties, and freedoms of the people. Please gather your strength for the People Power Party, number two on the ballot." Later in the evening, he planned to visit areas with many young voters, such as Jongno 3-ga Station and Hongdae, to encourage them to exercise their voting rights. Additionally, Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, and Song Eon-seok, the People Power Party's floor leader, visited their respective strongholds in North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang Provinces to secure votes. Han accompanied candidate Lee Won-taek throughout the day, providing full support as Lee competes against independent candidate Kim Kwan-young. 2026-06-02 17:39:00

Video Shows Student Throwing Cup Noodle on Street, Sparks Outrage A video showing a female student discarding a cup noodle on the street has sparked public outrage. Recently, a local business owner shared the video on social media, asking, "Can everyone take a look at this? What kind of upbringing does this child have? I can see the parents in her actions," and urged adults to be role models in front of children. The footage shows the student walking down the street while eating cup noodles. She stops in front of a store, drinks the remaining broth, and without hesitation, throws the cup onto the ground before walking away. The video shocked viewers as it depicted her acting without looking around or searching for a trash can. The video quickly spread across various online communities and social media, garnering tens of thousands of views. Some users expressed disbelief, commenting, "Is this real? It looks so staged," and "I can't believe she threw it away so casually." Others reacted with dismay, saying, "I'm shocked by what I just saw," and "Is this what we call eating and littering at the same time?" Comments included, "I've never seen anything like this in my life," and "She didn't even try to hide it; it's like she has no conscience at all. Shouldn't she at least pretend to look for a trash can?" While many criticized the student's actions, some voices emphasized the need for better public order and civic education. One user noted, "I'm more worried that she seems unaware that her behavior is wrong." Under current laws, littering on the street can result in fines. While specific regulations vary by local government, discarding items like cigarette butts, drink cups, and food containers can lead to penalties.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:30:00

South Korea makes final all-out push for Canada's submarine bid SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Korea is stepping up efforts to win Canada's next-generation submarine procurement project, as Ottawa is expected to select its preferred bidder by the end of June for a deal estimated to be worth US$40 billion. The final race for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, or CPSP, has increasingly narrowed into a competition between South Korea's "One Team" bid led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS, a long-established player in the diesel-electric submarine market. South Korea's push gained momentum this week as presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik attended a business roundtable in Toronto, where companies from the two countries signed three memorandums of understanding in satellite communications, launch sites and defense vehicles. The business event came as Germany and Norway moved to counter Hanwha Ocean's key selling point — faster delivery — by offering to delay some of their own submarine deliveries to make room for Canada. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said TKMS could deliver four submarines to Canada by 2036 if it wins the bid, according to an interview with Canada's CBC News on the sidelines of CANSEC 2026, Canada's largest defense exhibition held in Ottawa last week. "They say they can, and I have only had good experiences with them, so I trust them," Pistorius told CBC News. "They promise only what they can actually achieve." TKMS has proposed its Type 212CD submarine, a model jointly developed by Germany and Norway. But the submarine remains in the design stage and has yet to enter operational service, raising questions over whether the German side could meet Canada's urgent delivery timeline. Hanwha Ocean, by contrast, has emphasized from the early stages of the competition that it can deliver four KSS-III submarines to Canada by 2035. That date is crucial for Ottawa, as the Royal Canadian Navy aims to retire all four of its aging Victoria-class submarines by 2035. Only one of the four is currently believed to be available for operations, making replacement an urgent priority. Pistorius said Germany and Norway, both existing customers of the Type 212CD, had agreed to delay one submarine each from their own orders to allow Canada to receive earlier deliveries. The remaining two vessels, he said, could be produced at an accelerated pace by TKMS. Marte Gerhardsen, state secretary at Norway's Ministry of Defense, also said bringing Canada into the program would strengthen the overall submarine fleet, even if Norway has to wait longer for one of its submarines. "We do not think of the submarine fleet as a Norwegian fleet, a German fleet and a Canadian fleet," Gerhardsen told CBC News. "We think of it as a common fleet." Germany has also offered a broader economic package tied to the submarine bid, including investments in military and non-military projects in Canada, according to CBC News. The proposals reportedly cover carbon capture, LNG exports, torpedo production and hypersonic missile development. South Korea has also pledged similar industrial cooperation if it wins the contract, but Germany is seeking to differentiate its proposal by stressing that many of its projects could begin within two years. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defense Procurement Minister Stephen Fuhr have said both Germany's Type 212CD and Korea's KSS-III meet the Royal Canadian Navy's requirements, with a decision expected by the end of June. Carney said last week that the decision goes beyond military requirements. "It is certainly about economic impact, the broader economic benefits," Carney told reporters. Hanwha is seeking to frame its submarine bid as part of a wider defense and industrial partnership with Canada. Representatives from Algoma Steel, Hanwha and Ontario-based auto parts makers recently signed an agreement at a Martinrea International facility near Toronto. Under the plan, Algoma would supply steel to a Canadian consortium if Hanwha wins the submarine contract. Algoma joins Hanwha and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, which agreed recently to jointly develop and manufacture fighting vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces and allies. In a separate pact, Hanwha has also agreed to invest in Algoma. The proposed Canadian joint venture would be 51 percent Canadian-owned and use domestic steel and workers, with Hanwha providing expertise, technology and experience, as well as investment. "They are not just interested in supplying submarines to Canada," Martinrea chairman Rob Wildeboer said. "They want to do much more in working with industry in Ontario and Canada to develop defense capabilities." Korea also used CANSEC 2026 as a final opportunity to promote its submarine bid. Hanwha Ocean put its proposed KSS-III Batch-II model at the center of its campaign, stressing that Korea already operates a proven submarine platform. The Korean Navy's 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine has also played a supporting role. After completing a 14,000-kilometer voyage across the Pacific, the submarine arrived at the Esquimalt naval base in Victoria, British Columbia on May 23. The strategy has drawn attention in Canada, with local media quoting one Canadian naval official as comparing the experience of boarding the Korean submarine to switching from a 1999 Honda Civic to a new Tesla. With the final decision approaching, the competition is increasingly becoming not only a submarine procurement race, but also a test of which country can offer Canada a broader strategic and industrial partnership. 2026-06-02 17:26:28

President Lee Pledges Enhanced Cooperation with Africa President Lee Jae-myung met with a delegation of African foreign ministers on June 2, pledging to strengthen cooperation with African nations.During the meeting at the Blue House, President Lee welcomed senior representatives from 19 African countries, including Egypt and Kenya, as well as officials from three regional international organizations, including the African Union. Foreign Minister Park Jin and National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak were also present.President Lee expressed hope for the regularization of Korea-Africa summits, stating, "It would be great if the Korea-Africa summit could become a regular event. I hope that foreign ministers' meetings can be held frequently to explore areas where our countries can cooperate and assist each other on shared issues."He noted, "Africa is a continent with significant growth potential and development possibilities, but there has been a sense of regret that we have not focused enough on it in the past. I want to emphasize that since my inauguration, the South Korean government has taken a special interest in various African countries."Additionally, he referenced Korea's history as a nation that emerged from colonial rule, saying, "We have walked a bit faster from a similar situation to the countries you represent. The people of South Korea, including myself, have a deep admiration for Africa and a desire to engage with it."Meanwhile, the government has been hosting the '2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting' at the Lotte Hotel Seoul since the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:21:00

Eight Percent and Kaia Partner to Build RWA Investment Infrastructure Online investment platform Eight Percent has partnered with the blockchain platform Kaia to establish an investment infrastructure based on real-world assets (RWA) derived from domestic loan receivables. This initiative aims to create pathways for foreign investors to invest in Korean financial assets, enhancing global accessibility to the domestic alternative investment market.On June 2, Eight Percent announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaia to develop the RWA investment infrastructure based on the rights to receive principal and interest from domestic loan receivables.The agreement is part of a 'cross-border financing project' that connects Eight Percent's domestic loan receivables with Kaia's global investor network. The core objective is to establish new investment channels that can attract foreign capital into the domestic asset market.Through this collaboration, the two companies plan to facilitate easier access for global investors to Korean financial assets, thereby increasing the potential for capital inflows into the domestic investment market. They also intend to gradually expand the scale of investments and the types of asset classes involved.Song Bo-geun, head of Eight Percent, stated, "Our goal is to create an environment where global investors can easily access high-quality loan receivable assets in Korea. We aim to establish an investment gateway that allows foreign capital to steadily flow into assets based on the real economy in Korea."Hwan Lee, team leader at Kaia, added, "We expect this project to set a meaningful precedent for connecting Korean real assets with global investors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:18:00

Travel Industry Launches Campaigns and Customized Services for Summer Vacationers As the summer vacation season approaches, major online travel agencies (OTAs) are launching diverse campaigns and specialized services to attract travelers. From brand campaigns to enhanced local services in specific countries, special interest tourism (SIT) reflecting individual preferences, and unique events with influencers, the industry is bustling to capture customer interest. ◆MyRealTrip Enhances Local Services in Vietnam, Top Southeast Asian Destination MyRealTrip is strengthening its local services in Vietnam, which ranks first in tour and activity transactions. The company reports that South Korean travelers have increasingly favored independent travel, particularly to Vietnam during peak summer and winter holiday seasons. In response to the growing demand for independent travel, MyRealTrip has significantly improved the quality of its airport pickup and drop-off services at Cam Ranh International Airport, the most sought-after location. The company has deployed dedicated staff and branded vehicles to reduce confusion for travelers, and introduced new vehicles and an instant confirmation system. Additionally, in collaboration with local partners such as Benaza, Da Nang Ghost, and Phu Quoc Ghost, MyRealTrip has established a QR-based reservation system across 36 local locations and 258 touchpoints, allowing travelers to easily book various tour products by scanning QR codes inside vehicles or at local points. A MyRealTrip representative stated, "We started by considering what travelers need most, most often. Our goal is to create a 'complete connection of travel experiences' from the moment they arrive at the airport until their last moments enjoying the destination." ◆Trip.com Launches Summer Campaign and Major Promotions Trip.com has launched its 2026 summer brand campaign titled "Travel (TRIP) Must Be Real, Hotels Must Be TRIP." This campaign reflects the current era of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasizes that the genuine sensations and excitement experienced during travel cannot be replaced by AI. The campaign features five videos showcasing travel destinations that incorporate the letters "AI," including locations in the UK, Shanghai, and Jeju Island. The launch video captures moments that can only be felt through direct experience, such as morning sunlight in hotel rooms and the air of unfamiliar cities. Subsequent videos will depict the vibrant excitement of travel through the eyes of various travelers, including families, couples, and solo adventurers. Alongside the campaign, Trip.com is running a promotional event from June 1 to August 9, offering discounts on domestic and international flights and premium 4-5 star hotels. Every Monday, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on flights, hotels, and popular tours and tickets. Hong Jong-min, head of Trip.com’s Korea branch, remarked, "As advanced technology perfectly captures images, the wonder and unforgettable memories encountered in unfamiliar travel destinations become even more precious. We hope many people can enjoy 'real travel' this summer through Trip.com's robust global infrastructure and 24-hour customer support services." ◆NOL Introduces Packages Linked to Japanese Music Festivals NOL, operated by NOL Universe, has unveiled a package plan that focuses on individual purposes, aligning with the SIT trend, which goes beyond simple sightseeing. This package allows customers to focus on enjoying music festivals by bundling accommodation, flights, and festival tickets into a one-stop service. The package includes six options, featuring major Asian music festivals such as the "Fuji Rock Festival 2026," "Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival," and "Tokyo World DJ Festival." NOL Universe plans to gradually introduce sports tour packages for watching live events in Japan in the future. Han Jeong-hyup, head of NOL Universe's package division, stated, "Recently, there has been explosive demand for SIT packages among the MZ generation, who deeply consume their hobbies and interests. Leveraging NOL Universe's unique synergy between performance and cultural content and travel platforms, we will continue to expand innovative themed products that provide unforgettable leisure experiences for our customers." ◆Yogiyo Unveils 'Bucket Pack' Trip to Taiwan with Influencer Captain Dagger Yogiyo has launched a 'Bucket Pack' trip to Taiwan's Kinmen Island in collaboration with travel influencer Captain Dagger, who has 730,000 subscribers. The Bucket Pack is an exclusive package available only through Yogiyo, featuring trips with celebrities such as Noh Hong-chul, Yoo Byung-jae, and Choo Sung-hoon, as well as YouTubers Won Ji, Pani Bottle, and Kwak Tube, who have traveled with their fans. Captain Dagger participated in selecting the travel destination and planning the itinerary for this Bucket Pack. He will accompany travelers for all activities from August 6 to 9 during the four-day, three-night trip. The package includes round-trip airfare to Taiwan, hotel accommodations, and limited-edition merchandise. Interested participants can apply through the Yogiyo app for 1,000 won until the 28th of this month, with Captain Dagger personally reviewing the entries to select ten winners. The 1,000 won payment will be fully refunded as points within the app. Kim Yong-kyung, head of the Yogiyo brand division, stated, "We planned this Bucket Pack so that customers can experience the travel stories and romance shared by Captain Dagger. We hope those who want to experience a travel adventure filled with human connection will apply for this unique opportunity." 2026-06-02 17:18:00

KOSPI Ends Slightly Higher Despite 8 Trillion Won in Foreign Sales; KOSDAQ Drops Over 2% The KOSPI index closed slightly higher on June 2, buoyed by strong buying from individual investors despite significant profit-taking by foreign investors. The index experienced increased volatility, dipping below the 8,500 mark during trading but managed to recover by the end of the session. In contrast, the KOSDAQ index fell sharply by over 2% due to profit-taking in recently leading stocks. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI finished the day at 8,801.49, up 13.11 points (0.15%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 8,883.19, rising as high as 8,933.62 shortly after the market opened. However, as foreign selling intensified, it dropped to 8,503.48 around 9:09 a.m. It later recovered much of its losses, successfully turning upward by the end of the trading day. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The recent surge in prices led to short-term overheating concerns and profit-taking, resulting in a volatile market. The increased net selling by foreign investors applied downward pressure on stock prices, particularly in leading stocks that had recently surged." He added, "However, news of Israel's decision to withdraw its plans for additional airstrikes helped stabilize international oil prices and eased geopolitical risk concerns, allowing individual buying to expand and the KOSPI to recover significantly from its intraday lows." In the securities market, individuals and institutions net bought 8.1191 trillion won and 237 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 8.0505 trillion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 3.30%), SK Square (up 7.17%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 17.07%), and Samsung C&T (up 6.70%) all closed higher. SK Hynix, which showed weakness during the day, managed to reduce its losses, closing down 0.13%. Conversely, Hyundai Motor (-2.80%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-9.58%), LG Energy Solution (-2.75%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-1.61%) all declined. By sector, semiconductor and AI-related stocks, which had been leading recently, faced profit-taking pressure, while insurance stocks and some holding companies showed relative strength. The KOSDAQ index closed at 1,026.03, down 24.00 points (2.29%) from the previous trading day. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net bought 337.3 billion won and 126.2 billion won, respectively, but individuals net sold 449.6 billion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, EcoPro BM (-4.35%), Alteogen (-2.46%), EcoPro (-2.15%), Rainbow Robotics (-3.30%), Samchundang Pharmaceutical (-7.50%), Rino Industry (-4.62%), HLB (-6.13%), and Pepton (-2.87%) all closed lower. In contrast, JUSUNG Engineering (up 6.15%) and Kolon TissueGene (up 15.26%) showed gains. Lee noted, "While some related stocks continued to rise on expectations surrounding Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, the momentum appears to be gradually weakening. As leading stocks take a breather, a rotation among sectors is becoming evident."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:09:00

Kang Hoon-sik: South Korea is Canada's Unique Partner for Submarine Procurement Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, stated on June 2 that selecting South Korea as a partner for Canada’s submarine procurement process would exemplify a successful case of defense procurement reform and serve as a new engine for economic growth. Currently visiting Canada as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, Kang shared this insight on his Facebook page after meeting with Canadian Minister of Defence Procurement Steven Pure and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. Kang departed for Canada on May 31 to support South Korean companies in their bid for the Canadian next-generation submarine project, with the selection process set to conclude in just over a month. During a meeting in Ottawa on June 1, Kang emphasized to Ministers Pure and McGuinty that South Korea, as a leading defense nation, is willing and capable of actively contributing to Canada’s security amid increasing uncertainties in international affairs, such as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Before meeting with the Defence Minister, Kang arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport and first visited the 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Chair' located by Lake Ontario, followed by participation in the 'Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable.' In his remarks at the business roundtable, Kang noted that combining Canada’s abundant resources and technology with South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities could serve as a true model of the 'middle power solidarity' emphasized by Mark Carney. He also outlined plans to continue expanding purchases and investments in Canadian crude oil, LNG, LPG, and critical minerals. Kang further shared a vision during his meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stating that the two countries could become leaders in the global market through cooperation in hydrogen vehicles and defense vehicles. He emphasized his commitment to contributing to the creation of future growth engines for the economy and establishing a stable energy supply structure that can withstand changes in international circumstances.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:09:00

Election officials make final preparations ahead of local elections SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Election officials were making final preparations across the country on Tuesday, just a day ahead of this year's local elections. They inspected polling stations while testing ballot machines and conducting simulations to ensure smooth vote counting. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), polling stations nationwide will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Voters will be allowed to cast their ballots at designated polling stations based on their registered residential address and must present a valid photo ID such as a resident registration card, driver's license or passport. After voting concludes, ballot boxes will be sent to counting centers across the country for machine sorting and manual checks to tally the results. The elections, held every four years, will choose about 4,000 officials this time including metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, local government heads and education superintendents, and fill other vacancies. 2026-06-02 17:08:36