Gwangju Voter Turnout 37.7% 'Nationwide Lowest' and 'All-Time Lowest'

Noise in Nomination Process and Incumbent Politicians' Turf Wars Cause Disillusionment: Analysis Reflecting Public Sentiment

'Winning Just by Raising the Democratic Party Flag' Atmosphere Leads to Uncontested Elections Contributing to Victory

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The voter turnout in the Gwangju area for the 8th nationwide simultaneous local elections was recorded as the lowest among the 17 metropolitan autonomous entities.

This stands in stark contrast to the presidential election held just three months ago, which saw the highest voter turnout nationwide at 81.5%.

According to the Central Election Commission on the 1st, the voter turnout in the Gwangju area was 37.7%, the lowest in the country. This figure falls far short of the national average of 50.9%.

The turnout rates for local elections since they were first held in 1994 were 64.8% for the 1st, 45.1% for the 2nd, 42.3% for the 3rd, 46.3% for the 4th, 49.8% for the 5th, 57.1% for the 6th, and 59.2% for the 7th, making this the lowest ever recorded.

The main reason behind this record low turnout is analyzed to be the adverse effects of one-party dominance.

The Democratic Party, which has Gwangju as its stronghold, called for reform after losing the presidential election, but persistent noise and suspicions during the candidate nomination process strongly arose, reflecting the cold public sentiment disillusioned with established politicians obsessed with fighting over their own interests.

The local atmosphere of "winning just by raising the Democratic Party flag" also stopped voters from heading to the polling stations.

The fact that many candidates from other parties or independents did not run, resulting in many uncontested elections, also played a role.

A total of 13 candidates, including Gwangsan District Mayor candidate Park Byung-gyu, and metropolitan council members Hong Gi-wol (Dong-gu 1), Park Mi-jung (Dong-gu 2), Kang Su-hoon (Seo-gu 1), Seo Im-seok (Nam-gu 1), Im Mi-ran (Nam-gu 2), Park Hee-yul (Nam-gu 3), An Pyeong-hwan (Buk-gu 1), Shin Su-jeong (Buk-gu 3), Shim Chang-wook (Buk-gu 5), Park Pil-soon (Gwangsan-gu 3), and Park Soo-gi (Gwangsan-gu 5), as well as Lee Ji-ae, who ran as a proportional representative for the basic council in Dong-gu, were confirmed elected without voting.

Therefore, voices calling for institutional improvements regarding uncontested electoral districts are also emerging.

Citizen Jeong Mo (54) said, "Uncontested election victories eliminate citizens' right to choose," and argued, "If a referendum results in opposition reaching a certain threshold, a re-election should be held or institutional improvements are necessary."

A local political official said, "The Democratic Party needs innovation and reform not just in words but in action through this opportunity," adding, "Looking at the voter turnout in the Gwangju area this time, they must properly accept public sentiment. Otherwise, it may soon become difficult to call Gwangju a stronghold of the Democratic Party."

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