Opposition Parties Debate Seat Allocation and Proportional Representation

Opposition Parties Discuss Formation of Proportional Representation Party and Debate Seat Allocation

Source: Dong-A Ilbo

The Democratic Party, along with the Progressive Party and other opposition parties, convened the first meeting to discuss the formation of a unified proportional representation party. The objective of this meeting was to explore the integration of proportional representation, policy pledges, and regional constituency elections. The Democratic Party emphasized the importance of adhering to the principle of national primaries to select competitive candidates for regional constituencies. However, the absence of the Green Party at the meeting has created a sense of pressure and urgency.

Controversy Deepens Over Seat Allocation Among Political Parties

There is a growing dispute among political parties regarding the allocation of seats in the National Assembly. The leadership of the Green Party has proposed securing more than six seats, surpassing their current number of seats, as a prerequisite for their participation in the electoral alliance. They are also demanding concessions in both proportional representation and regional constituencies, particularly in areas where the Democratic Party is dominant. Consequently, the Democratic Party finds itself facing tension and pressure to make concessions.

Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance Holds Meeting to Discuss Formation of Proportional Representation Party

The Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance, consisting of the Democratic Party, Progressive New Party, Progressive Justice Party, and civic organizations, held a meeting in the National Assembly to discuss the formation of a unified proportional representation party. During the meeting, representatives from each party expressed their commitment to pursuing a unified approach in policy pledges, proportional representation, and regional constituency elections. Park Hong-geun, a member of the Democratic Party and representative of the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance, emphasized the time constraints for forming a proportional representation party and urged the participation of the Green Party.

Internal Disagreements Arise Over National Assembly Seat Allocation

Internal disagreements have emerged within the electoral alliance regarding the allocation of seats in the National Assembly. The Green Party, along with some minority parties, is demanding concessions from the Democratic Party in both proportional representation and regional constituencies. They argue that priority should be given to individuals who have long been involved in progressive politics rather than solely considering superficial party support. On the other hand, the Democratic Party remains steadfast in their position that primary elections are essential to select competitive candidates for regional constituencies. These differing opinions have created tension and raised concerns about the unity of the alliance.

Democratic Party Urges Green Party to Join in the Formation of a Proportional Representation Party

As a member of the Democratic Reform Progressive Election Alliance, Park Hong-geun, a representative of the Democratic Party, called for the participation of the Green Party in the alliance for the formation of a proportional representation party. He emphasized the need for unity in terms of time constraints, policy pledges, proportional representation, and regional constituency elections. The absence of the Green Party from the meeting has led to unresolved demands for concessions in both proportional representation and regional constituencies, resulting in internal disagreements within the electoral alliance.

Democratic Party Stresses Importance of Primary Elections for Regional Constituency Candidates

The Democratic Party highlights the significance of conducting primary elections to select competitive candidates for regional constituencies. They firmly reject the demands for concessions and emphasize the necessity of adhering to the principle of open primaries. Some minority parties, including the Green Party, argue that individuals with a long history in progressive politics should be given priority in seat allocation. However, the Democratic Party maintains its stance that primary elections are essential to select the most competitive candidates.

Note: This news article is a summary of recent developments and discussions regarding the formation of a proportional representation party and seat allocation among political parties in South Korea. For more detailed information and updates, please refer to the original source.