South Korean Parties Debate Satellite Parties Ahead of Elections

South Korean Political Parties Engage in Heated Debate Over Satellite Parties Ahead of General Elections

In anticipation of the upcoming general elections, South Korean political parties are embroiled in a contentious discussion surrounding the establishment of satellite parties. Referred to as the “Third Pole” alliance, these third-party coalitions criticize the ruling Democratic Party’s current proportional representation electoral system, labeling it as a political maneuver. While denouncing the tactics of the Democratic Party, the Third Pole parties carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the existing system.

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the Reform Party, Criticizes Major Parties and Emphasizes the Importance of Law Compliance

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, recently met with journalists and directed his criticism towards the two major parties, namely the People’s Party and the Minjung Party. He argued that if these parties genuinely believed that the existence of multiple parties posed a problem, they should have amended the law accordingly. Emphasizing the significance of adhering to legal principles, Lee Jun-seok expressed his intent to closely monitor how the government, led by the prosecution, handles the issue of establishing satellite parties as promised by Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, during the presidential campaign.

Lee Jun-seok Supports Linked Proportional Representation System and Considers Possibility of Satellite Parties

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, expressed his support for the implementation of the linked proportional representation system, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to securing proportional representation within the National Assembly. Additionally, he displayed an open attitude towards the possibility of establishing satellite parties within the Reform Party, stating his confidence in doing so. Unlike the regional parallel system, the linked proportional representation system allows parties that receive a minimum of 3% of the vote to secure seats in the National Assembly, increasing the likelihood of their participation.

Exploring the Role of Satellite Parties within the “Big Tent” Strategy

The Third Pole alliance is currently considering the utilization of satellite parties within the framework of the “big tent” strategy. Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, mentioned the possibility of role-sharing and the establishment of satellite parties among parties interested in participating in the big tent. He emphasized the importance of not ruling out such possibilities.

Controversial Partnership Between the Democratic Party and Satellite Parties

Lee Nak-yeon, the co-leader of the New Future Party, criticized the monopolistic political structure upheld by the two major parties, citing the polarization it causes. He accused the major parties of engaging in collusion under the pretext of establishing satellite parties. However, following the meeting of the National Election Commission, Chairman Park Won-soon expressed relief, stating that the decision to maintain the linked proportional representation system with a lower minimum vote threshold was made based on the judgment that it would be more advantageous for the Third Pole alliance.

New Future Party’s Stance on Satellite Parties

Kim Tae-seop, the co-leader of the New Future Party, also criticized the Democratic Party’s alliance with the Minjung Party, aiming to secure 1-2 proportional representation seats. He warned that such actions would leave a stain in history. Emphasizing the need for a healthy and normal political party, Kim Tae-seop declared his intention to not run for office directly but to contest as a candidate in a local constituency.

South Korean Political Parties Deliberate the Impact of Satellite Parties and Current Electoral System

Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the establishment of satellite parties, South Korean political parties are meticulously considering the advantages and disadvantages of the current electoral system and its potential impact on the upcoming general elections.

Source: Dong-A Ilbo