SEOUL: In a series of closely watched by-elections across South Korea, the governing People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party (DP) each held onto their respective strongholds, resulting in a political stalemate. The PPP secured victories in Geumjeong District, Busan, and Ganghwa County, Gyeonggi, while the DP triumphed in Yeonggwang and Gokseong Counties in South Jeolla.
According to Yonhap News Agency, despite the draw in the number of wins, the election results prompted significant introspection within both major parties. The PPP faced a setback in a concurrent by-election for the superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, where their candidate lost despite strong conservative backing. This loss highlighted a failure to appeal beyond their base to more moderate voters.
The DP, on the other hand, faced its own challenges. Despite a strong showing in its traditional stronghold of South Jeolla, it underperformed in the Busan district, garnering only 38.96 percent of the
votes. This mixed performance suggests a potential weakening of the party’s regional appeal.
The elections also served as a barometer for smaller political entities. A candidate from the Rebuilding Korea Party, associated with former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, faced criticism during the campaign in Yeonggwang County for not residing locally and maintaining expensive properties elsewhere. This situation underscored the difficulties faced by minor opposition parties in establishing credibility and relevance among local voters.
The presidential office, led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been advised to take the election outcomes seriously. Analysts suggest that the PPP’s victories were driven more by anti-DP sentiment than genuine enthusiasm for the PPP, indicating potential vulnerabilities. The president is urged to adopt a humble approach in response to public demand, particularly concerning the visibility of the first lady in public affairs and the need for significant administrative changes.
As political
leaders and parties digest the implications of these by-election results, the focus shifts to how they will adjust their strategies in response to the complex voter sentiments revealed by these contests.