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, political parties are intensifying their strategies around candidate unification, which is seen as a key factor in the elections.
On May 15, the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party held a press conference at the National Assembly, announcing their agreement on a unified candidate for the Ulsan mayoral election, as well as for several local government positions in Ulsan and the mayor of Busan's Yeonje District. This means that Democratic candidate Kim Sang-wook and Progressive candidate Kim Jong-hoon will compete in a primary determined entirely by public opinion polls. The day before, Hwang Myung-pil, the candidate from the Justice Party, withdrew his candidacy in support of Kim Sang-wook, effectively finalizing the unification within the progressive camp.
As a result, Kim Du-gyeom of the People Power Party and independent candidate Park Maeng-woo 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 political landscape has raised the possibility of resuming those discussions.
In addition to the Ulsan mayoral race, unification efforts in Pyeongtaek and Busan's North District are also expected to influence the elections. In Pyeongtaek, three candidates from the progressive camp—Democratic candidate Kim Yong-nam, Justice Party leader Jo Guk, and Progressive Party chair Kim Jae-yeon—are running against People Power Party candidate Yoo Yi-dong, a former three-term lawmaker, 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, political analysts suggest that their past contentious exchanges, with Kim having been labeled a 'target' by Jo, may complicate the unification process. The decision of Kim Jae-yeon could also be a significant variable; if the progressive unification fails, it could benefit the conservative candidates.
In the North District, a three-way race is shaping up between Democratic candidate Ha Jung-woo, People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik, and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, a former leader of the People Power Party. Analysts suggest that if Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon do not unify, Ha Jung-woo may have the advantage.
Unification is considered the most significant variable in this election. The first deadline for unification is set for the candidate registration closure on May 15, with registration open until 6 p.m. Candidates may choose to withdraw to support a single candidate, enhancing their chances.
The second deadline is anticipated on May 17, as ballots will be printed on May 18, aiming to minimize the risk of wasted votes. A third deadline is set for May 20, with the Democratic Party and Progressive Party aiming to finalize the Ulsan mayoral unification by this date. Official campaigning begins on May 21, making it strategic to complete unification beforehand.
Finally, May 28, the day before early voting, is proposed as the ultimate deadline. Candidates who withdraw by this date will have their status reflected on the early voting ballots, reducing voter confusion. Although unification can still occur after this date, past trends suggest that the impact may be limited due to high early voting rates.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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