Presidential elections were held in South Korea on 15 May 1956.[1] The result was a victory for Syngman Rhee, who won 70.0% of the vote. Voter turnout was 94.4%.[2]
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".[3] Cho exceeded expectations by receiving over 30% of the vote. Three years later, Cho was accused of violating the National Security Law and executed.[4]
