Presidential and vice presidential elections were held in South Korea on 15 May 1956. The result was a victory for Syngman Rhee, who won 70.0% of the vote. Voter turnout was 94.4%.

Rhee, who at that time held a virtual monopoly on political power, was opposed by Shin Ik-hee and Cho Bong-am. Shin died before the election by disease, and Cho campaigned on a platform of peaceful reunification in opposition to Rhee's policy of "March North and unify Korea". Cho exceeded expectations by receiving over 30% of the vote. Three years later, Cho was accused of violating the National Security Law and executed.

Results

President

By region

Vice president

By region

References


Korea Border Photos Scenes From a DMZ Dispute in 1960

Korea 1956'57

Delivering the paper in South Korea, 1956 Stars and Stripes

Seoul, Oct 1956 Seoul, Vintage photos, Korea

South Korea’s Presidential Election What to Know Council on Foreign