[Deputy Editor's Column] 'Proportional War'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Euclid, the father of geometry from ancient Greece, based his work on definitions and axioms in "Elements of Geometry" over 2,300 years ago. Axioms are accepted as self-evident truths without proof and serve as premises for proving other propositions. Mathematics attains completeness on this foundation. In other words, if the initial premises are correct, the subsequent logical developments can be accepted.

Recalling the origins of geometry or mathematics, which most would not welcome, is due to the upcoming general election. With the introduction of the semi-proportional representation system, which is considered complex, the political sphere is in turmoil. Criticism ranges from calling it a "trick" to "trick upon trick," while others argue it is an inevitable choice to restore legitimacy. The situation is quite confusing. It might be easier to dismiss it as a typical political power play, but improving the quality of politics is a daunting task.

Let us revisit the reasons for the amendment to the Public Official Election Act passed by the National Assembly at the end of last year. It pointed out that the ratio between constituency and proportional representation is as high as 5.4 to 1, resulting in a large number of wasted votes and significant discrepancies between party vote shares and seat shares. For example, even if a party receives 10% support, it is not guaranteed 30 seats proportionally, and if it fails to perform in constituencies, it remains a minor party. The aim was to enhance the significance of party votes.

Overcoming regionalism was also a main background. Under the current system, where only one member is elected per constituency, certain parties receive overwhelming votes in regions like Yeongnam and Honam. The rationale to increase representativeness and alleviate the long-standing problem of regionalism is reasonable. One of the most practical reasons is the diversity of the National Assembly. It aims to widen the gap among existing major parties and allow minor parties to enter the legislature. In a way, it raises hopes for a momentum to change the Korean political system, which has been treated like a "punching bag" or "side dish."

Initially, the United Future Party did not accept this, causing problems. They created a new party and dispatched several lawmakers, establishing a "nominal minor party" that absorbed the support of the existing major party entirely. The framework of the semi-proportional system was disrupted, raising concerns about greater distortion of public sentiment in elections than before. Ultimately, the Democratic Party responded by participating in a proportional alliance party. Leader Lee Hae-chan apologized, saying, "It is very distressing and regrettable that we failed to prevent illegal and unfair practices in advance and showed a shameful political appearance."

Both major parties abandoned procedural purity. There is a difference: whether the major party creates a satellite party to absorb all votes or shares votes with other minor parties. Elections must be decided "nevertheless." We need to observe the start and the outcome. To achieve results consistent with the original intent of expanding the number of seats for minor parties, the Democratic Party's promise?that they will accept seats in the proportional representation list in lower order and not be greedy?must not waver. This must be upheld regardless of the Justice Party's participation.

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