In the End, the Ruling Party Chooses 'Practicality'... Remaining Tasks Before Joining the 'Proportional Representation Coalition Party'?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to determine whether to participate in the proportional representation coalition party through a vote by all party members, which is analyzed as effectively entering the process of participation. This decision was made in consideration of the overall internal sentiment that the ruling party cannot lose the position of the largest party to the United Future Party, and it is evaluated that the emphasis was placed on 'practicality' rather than 'justification.'

On the 9th, the Democratic Party held a Supreme Council meeting to discuss the procedure and questions related to the vote asking all party members whether to participate in the proportional representation coalition party.

During the Supreme Council meeting that lasted over three hours the previous day, it is reported that opinions clashed among the leadership regarding participation in the proportional representation coalition party. While some members of the Supreme Council strongly expressed opposition, the majority reportedly believed that participation was inevitable. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who attended the meeting, is also said to have stated, "Criticism is temporary, but responsibility lasts for four years."

The party leadership, fully aware of the internal sentiment prioritizing securing a majority of seats, leaving the choice to the party members is interpreted as having settled on joining the proportional representation coalition party.

A party official analyzed, "For the party leadership, which will be evaluated based on the general election results, this seems to be the best decision," adding, "Also, the fact that failure to win the general election would inevitably damage the Moon Jae-in administration's governing momentum appears to have played a significant role."

Now, the focus is on the tasks following the decision to participate in the proportional representation coalition party. Efficient management of proportional votes requires coordination among the 'platform parties' formed outside the party. Representative examples include the Open Democratic Party founded by Representative Jeong Bong-ju and independent Representative Son Hye-won, the Political Reform Alliance led by senior social figures and civic groups, and 'For the Citizens,' led by Professors Choi Bae-geun and Woo Hee-jong. The next challenge for the Democratic Party is expected to be uniting these separate forces into one.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In fact, Professor Choi Bae-geun said on the day, "I understand that the Democratic Party conveyed a message to the Political Reform Alliance to join with 'For the Citizens,'" adding, "When the Political Reform Alliance expressed negative opinions, the Democratic Party stated that it has no choice but to go with 'For the Citizens.'" This reveals the Democratic Party's concerns about unifying the platform parties.

Some speculate that the Democratic Party could utilize the Open Democratic Party, which has already secured one seat (Representative Son Hye-won). This could somewhat alleviate the burden of 'borrowing a lawmaker' to 'raise the ballot number.' Also, the party name, which clearly shows its connection to the Democratic Party, is an attractive aspect. However, having to face former Representative Jeong again, who became a sensitive issue due to the exclusion from the Gangseo-gap nomination, could be somewhat burdensome for the Democratic Party.

The opposition stance of the Justice Party and the Minsheng Party against participating in the proportional representation coalition party is the greatest burden for the Democratic Party. Currently, these two parties remain firm in their refusal to participate.

In political circles, if the conflicting stances between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party and Minsheng Party continue, it is predicted that the Democratic Party will participate in the proportional representation coalition party alone. While this could secure an opportunity to monopolize proportional seats, the side effects would be significant. On a radio show that day, Democratic Party Supreme Council member Seol Hoon said, "We criticized the United Future Party's behavior as 'satellite parties' and 'fake parties,' but as a result, we are heading in a similar direction, so it will not be easy to avoid criticism."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.