Democratic Party's Kim Jong-min "Possible to Join Coalition Party Regardless of Seat Count"

Published 06 Mar.2020 09:39(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Jong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed the view that participation in a progressive proportional representation coalition party is possible regardless of the number of seats. However, he considered it difficult to form a strategic electoral alliance only with the Justice Party instead of a coalition party.

On the 6th, Kim appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' and said, "Lawmakers are gathering opinions in small groups," adding, "Coalition nominations in proportional representation are not something we do routinely, but it is definitely a possible discussion."

Kim served as the Democratic Party's secretary on the Special Committee for Political Reform, which discussed the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system. Some quarters are demanding that the Democratic Party not field any proportional candidates at all. In response, Kim said, "If there is a coalition party to vote for, it doesn't really matter whether the Democratic Party wins 7 seats or 5 seats," and added, "Should we just give all the votes to the Justice Party? I can't guarantee that would be a good choice for voters."

He expressed the view that a strategic vote based on an agreement between just the two parties, the Democratic Party and the Justice Party, rather than the political reform coalition party currently being formed, is unrealistic. Kim said, "If it's only the Justice Party, will 40% of Democratic Party supporters all vote there? That's not easy." However, the Justice Party has repeatedly stated that it will not join the proportional coalition party.

Kim said, "Among Justice Party voters and members, there is intense debate. I looked into it once. Overall, about half want to unite forces so that voters can make a clear choice, even within the Justice Party."