The registration period for candidates in the 9th nationwide local elections and the National Assembly by-elections, scheduled for June 3, has closed, with a total of 7,829 candidates registered. Among them, 513 candidates, including three heads of local governments and 510 local council members, were elected uncontested, marking the highest number in history.
The National Election Commission announced on May 16 that this final tally was reached after accepting registrations for regional heads, local government heads, regional council members, local council members, proportional regional council members, proportional local council members, education superintendents, and National Assembly candidates over two days from May 14 to 15.
The average competition ratio stood at 1.8 to 1, which is similar to the record low seen in the 2022 local elections.
In this election, a total of 4,241 positions will be filled, including 16 regional heads, 227 local government heads, 933 regional council members (including proportional), 3,035 local council members (including proportional), 16 education superintendents, and 14 National Assembly members.
For the regional head elections, 54 candidates registered, resulting in a competition ratio of 3.4 to 1. In the local government head elections, 585 candidates registered with a ratio of 2.6 to 1, while 1,657 candidates registered for regional council positions, yielding a ratio of 2.1 to 1. Additionally, 4,402 candidates registered for local council positions, with a ratio of 1.7 to 1; 354 for proportional regional council positions, with a ratio of 2.7 to 1; and 672 for proportional local council positions, with a ratio of 1.7 to 1. The education superintendent elections saw 58 candidates registered, resulting in a competition ratio of 3.6 to 1.
Official campaigning will begin on May 21. The voter registration list will be finalized on June 2, and election notices, including ballots and guides, will be sent out by June 24.
Meanwhile, there are 307 electoral districts where the number of registered candidates is equal to or less than the number of positions available, resulting in 513 uncontested winners, including three heads of local governments and 510 local council members. In the 2022 local elections, there were 508 uncontested winners.
Among the uncontested candidates for local government heads are Kim Yi-gang, candidate for the mayor of Gwangju's Seo-gu, Kim Byeong-nae, candidate for the mayor of Gwangju's Nam-gu, and Lim Byeong-taek, candidate for the mayor of Siheung in Gyeonggi Province, all affiliated with the Democratic Party.
In the regional council elections, 108 candidates, including those from Seoul's Eunpyeong 2 and Gwanak 1 districts, were elected uncontested. In the local council elections, 305 candidates, including those from Seoul's Jongno Na and Ra districts, secured their positions. For proportional local council members, 97 candidates were elected, including those from Seoul's Seongbuk and Dobong districts.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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