Revolutionizing South Korea’s Politics: Legalizing Regional Parties for Innovation

Regional Party Legalization: Can it Bring Innovation to the Political Landscape in South Korea?

Source: Kyunghyang Shinmun

Yoon Hyun-sik: “Legalizing Regional Parties is Essential to Shake Up the Flawed Political Structure Dominated by Major Parties”

In an interview, Yoon Hyun-sik, the head of the Labor, Politics, and People Policy Committee, pointed out that the current bipartisan system fails to provide sharp solutions to urgent issues faced by voters. He argued that legalizing regional parties through electoral reform would be more effective in breaking the political monopoly of major parties and introducing diverse political forces. Yoon Hyun-sik added that amending the party law to legalize regional parties could be the first step in creating cracks in the structure of major parties.

Debate over Electoral Reform Raises Concerns about Regression to Bipartisan System

Yoon Hyun-sik, a regional party advocate, predicted that the current Public Official Election Act would not easily facilitate party changes as it favors parties occupying a majority of seats. However, he emphasized that legalizing regional parties has the potential to fundamentally disrupt South Korea’s flawed political landscape. Nevertheless, discussions on electoral reform have raised concerns about a potential regression to a bipartisan system.

Constitutional Court’s Constitutional Judgment on Legalization of Regional Parties

The Constitutional Court has issued a constitutional ruling on the constitutional petition challenging the ban on the establishment of regional parties under the current Party Law. However, there were dissenting opinions, with the dominant view being that it infringes on the freedom of parties. This marks a significant progress as it is the first unconstitutional ruling by the Constitutional Court in 17 years.

Revolutionizing Local Politics through Legalization of Regional Parties

Yoon Hyun-sik argues that legalizing regional parties can lead to a revolution in local politics. He emphasizes the need to create cracks in the current structure of major parties and establish a framework for regional parties to formulate and realize local agendas. While there are concerns about regional preservation and the influence of local interest groups, Yoon Hyun-sik contends that the alliance between major parties and local interest groups already exists, and legalizing regional parties can actually bring transparency to the forefront.

The Issue of Decentralization in Local Politics and the Role of Regional Parties

Yoon Hyun-sik highlights the role of regional parties in addressing the issue of decentralization in local politics. The current major parties fail to represent local interests, and there are concerns about the disappearance of local identities. He argues that regional parties have led to the consolidation of local politics by influencing candidate nominations in local elections. Furthermore, in a situation where central politics fails to represent local interests, the legalization of regional parties can serve as a means to counterbalance the policy of expanding the capital region.

Activities of Regional Party Initiatives and Future Prospects

Yoon Hyun-sik introduces the activities of the regional party initiative, Eunpyeong Mindulle Party, which is engaged in monitoring local governments and district councils. They raise concerns about issues that threaten the natural environment in relation to local development and collaborate with other progressive parties to address them. Other regional party initiatives such as Direct Action Yeongdeungpo Party, Gwacheon Citizens’ Autonomy Party, and Jinju Party are also expected to emerge at the municipal and county levels.

Comparison between the Current Bipartisan System and Regional Parties

Yoon Hyun-sik asserts the necessity of regional parties through a comparison between the current bipartisan system and regional parties. He points out that the current bipartisan system neglects local politics, and the selection of candidates in local elections is determined by party endorsements. Moreover, the current major parties perceive local development as merely following Seoul, and Yoon Hyun-sik argues that alternative voices are needed. He predicts that the emergence of regional parties will increase competition among various parties, leading to higher demands for transparency in public affairs.

Strengthening Local Political Decentralization through Legalization of Regional Parties

Yoon Hyun-sik believes that the legalization of regional parties can strengthen the decentralization of local politics. He explains that to achieve local political decentralization, there is a need to enhance local legislation, administration, and finance, and a structure that allows regional parties to create and realize local agendas is necessary. With the emergence of regional parties, the close relationship between closed-off bureaucracies and local interest groups will become practically impossible as local governance becomes transparent.

Concerns and Potential of Legalizing Regional Parties

Yoon Hyun-sik mentions concerns and potential outcomes related to legalizing regional parties. While there are concerns about regional preservation and the influence of local interest groups, he argues that the alliance between major parties and local interest groups already exists, and legalizing regional parties can bring transparency to the forefront. Additionally, he predicts that the emergence of regional parties will increase competition among various parties, leading to higher demands for transparency in public affairs.