Democratic Party in Turmoil: Controversy Over Election System Decision

Democratic Party in Controversy and Confusion over Election System Decision

The Democratic Party of South Korea is currently facing controversy and confusion regarding the selection of their election system. The party leadership is struggling to make a decision between two options: parallel proportional representation and linked proportional representation.

With the upcoming 4-10 general election only 76 days away, the party leadership is still unable to come to a clear consensus. While most of the party leadership leans towards linked proportional representation, party chairman Lee Jae-myung is still contemplating between linked and integrated proportional representation.

On the 25th, the Democratic Party held a meeting where party chairman Lee Jae-myung and spokesperson Hong Ik-pyo engaged in a conversation. However, no concrete decision regarding the election system was made during this meeting. The focus of the meeting was mainly on the report presented by Kim Young-bae, the chief deputy representative, regarding the negotiation situation with the first opposition party regarding the election system.

This indecisiveness within the Democratic Party is not a recent issue. Since November of last year, the party has been conducting surveys among its members, but they have yet to reach a conclusive decision. There is a clear division within the party, with some supporting the introduction of parallel proportional representation to prevent dominant parties from sweeping proportional seats and overcome regionalism.

However, maintaining linked proportional representation would fulfill the promise made during the presidential election. There are concerns about losing public support, especially considering the high popularity of Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. While most of the party leadership leans towards linked proportional representation, some lawmakers, including Jeong Chung-rae, are voicing support for the return of linked proportional representation. However, this position could hinder the party’s reform efforts and face criticism.

Lee Jae-myung’s stance on the election system has evolved over time. Initially, he expressed support for linked proportional representation but later hinted at a return to parallel proportional representation during a YouTube live broadcast. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between legitimacy and practicality, hinting at the possibility of maintaining linked proportional representation.

The Democratic Party aims to finalize its position on the election system before the Lunar New Year holiday in February. However, ongoing division and indecisiveness within the party make it uncertain whether they can reach an agreement and present a united front in the upcoming general election.

This inability to make a decision on the election system is causing confusion and uncertainty among party members and the general public. The Democratic Party is now faced with the crucial task of presenting a clear and unified position on this important issue.

Source: Kyunghyang Shinmun