Campaigning begins today for the April 3rd by-elections.
Until the eve of election day.... campaigners will be reaching out to voters and pitching their policies.
Kim Min-ji reports.
The race is on for the April 3rd by-elections -- with the official campaigning period kicking off on Thursday.
For the next 13 days,... candidates will be able to reach out to voters and sell their policy pledges to the public -- by putting up banners in their districts or using loudspeakers, e-mails and social networking services.

This time, two parliamentary seats are up for grabs.
They are the districts of 'Changwon-Seongsan' and 'Tongyeong-Goseong' -- both in Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The seat for Changwon was left vacant following the suicide of Roh Hoe-chan of the minor Justice Party last year.
And the Tongyeong seat is empty after Lee Koon-hyon of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party was convicted for violating the political funds law.

Although it's only two seats,... it will serve as a litmus test to see public sentiment towards the political parties,... especially ahead of the general elections next year.
Rival parties have their sleeves rolled up to fight for the seats.
Sitting lawmakers will also be out in the districts,... in a show of support for the candidates of their respective parties,... making the case that they are the best options.
Liberal politicians have received firm support in Changwon,... while conservatives have a stronger foothold in Tongyeong.

Whoever wins the by-elections will serve for about a year,... as their term lasts only to the next general elections -- which is April 2020.
Early voting will take place for two days starting next Friday.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.