Splinter Parties Fighting Against Odds

Candidates from splinter parties and independent runners backed by civic groups are reportedly having hard times reaching out the public, facing the lack of funds, organizational resources and public recognition.

Funds in Short Supply

"After paying 50 million won in deposit, I had only about 30 million won left out of donations from the party`s 700 million members and some sponsors," said Park Jong-hyun, Democratic Labor Party candidate for Gwangju mayor. He is now using stores run by his colleagues as liaison offices.

"The current election law costs candidates too much," pointed out Kim Young-kyu, Socialist Party`s Incheon mayor ticket who staged a candle light vigilance on May 28 to protest against Incheon election commission. Cash-strapped Kim was even forced to give up printing 4-page leaflets.

Shin Maeng-soon, Green Peace Party candidate for Incheon mayor, originally planned to do without a campaigning vehicle to comply to the local election authorities` call for disciplined spending, only to get a vehicle from a supporter belatedly.

Lee Doo-won independently seeking office in Hongseong-gun in Chungnam province representing local grassroots organizations said "Many have volunteered to help me, but most of them have to spare time outside their jobs, which makes systematic campaigning difficult."

Asking for Seat in TV Debate

Non-parliamentary candidates have also demanded an equal chance to participate in TV debates with their big name counterparts.

Im Sam-jin, Lee Moon-ok and Won Yong-soo, Seoul mayor candidates representing GPP, DLP and SP respectively, has recently held a joint press interview to criticize the lopsided arrangement that "allows high-profile candidates a chance to participate in a televised debate with MBC and KBS each while giving us a daytime spot separately." They maintain that it violates the provision of equal right to campaigning.

Those running for Incheon mayorship also boycotted TV debates for the same reason. Ahn Seung-cheon, SP candidate in Ulsan mayor race, managed to secure a seat in a TV debate after paying protest visits to a broadcasting company several times.

Banking on Volunteers

In particular, DLP candidates are mobilizing labor organizations in full gear. "I have been able to carry through this challenging task thanks to hardworking volunteers from unions and the party," said Jung Bok-young running for gubernatorial office in Wonju, Gangwon. "Still, the current law banning the use of pickets makes it harder for low-profile candidates like me to reach out the public," he added.

Yang Young-suk, GPP candidate in Gwangju gubernatorial office race, told reporters he is campaigning by himself without a single paid staff registered to the election commission, Instead, he noted, about 220 party members are helping him make phone calls to voters.