The National Election Commission will close candidate registration for the June 3 local elections and the National Assembly by-elections on May 15. As the deadline approaches, both major parties are engaged in intense negotiations over candidate unification, a key factor in determining election outcomes.
On the same day, the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party held a press conference at the National Assembly, announcing their agreement on a unification strategy for the Ulsan mayoral election, several local council elections, and the Busan Yeonje District mayoral race. This agreement means that Kim Sang-wook, the Democratic Party candidate, and Kim Jong-hoon, the Progressive Party candidate, will compete in a primary determined entirely by public opinion polls. The day before, Hwang Myeong-pil, the candidate from the Justice Reform Party, withdrew his candidacy in support of Kim Sang-wook, effectively finalizing the unification among the progressive camp.
As a result, Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party and Park Maeng-woo, an independent candidate, will compete against the unified progressive candidate. Although Kim Du-gyeom and Park Maeng-woo had previously announced a halt to their own unification efforts, the rapidly changing situation has raised the possibility of resuming those discussions.
Unification efforts are also expected to play a significant role in the Pyeongtaek and Busan North District elections. In Pyeongtaek, three candidates from the progressive camp—Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party, Justice Reform Party leader Jo Guk, and Kim Jae-yeon, the Progressive Party's chair—are running against two prominent conservative candidates: Yoo Yi-dong, a former three-term lawmaker from the People Power Party, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the Liberty and Innovation Party and a former Prime Minister during the Park Geun-hye administration.
Particular attention is focused on the potential unification between Kim Yong-nam and Jo Guk. However, analysts suggest that their past contentious exchanges, particularly when Kim Yong-nam was labeled a 'target' by Jo Guk, may complicate the unification process. Kim Jae-yeon's decision could also be a pivotal factor. If the progressive candidates fail to unify, it could benefit the conservative candidates.
In the North District race, a three-way contest is shaping up among Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party, Park Min-sik of the People Power Party, and Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate and former leader of the People Power Party. If Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon do not unify, analysts believe Ha Jung-woo may have the advantage.
Unification is seen as the most significant variable in this election. The first deadline for unification is set for the candidate registration closure on May 15, with registration ending at 6 p.m. on that day. There is a growing atmosphere encouraging candidates to withdraw in favor of a single candidate.
The second deadline is anticipated on May 17, as ballots will be printed on May 18, aiming to minimize the potential for wasted votes among constituents. The third deadline is set for May 20, by which the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party aim to finalize their unification for the Ulsan mayoral race. Official campaigning begins on May 21, making pre-election unification strategically advantageous.
Lastly, May 28, the day before early voting, is proposed as the final deadline. Candidates who withdraw by this date will have their status reflected on the early voting ballots, reducing voter confusion. While unification can still occur after this date, historical data suggests that the impact may be limited due to typically high early voting turnout.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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