New election system

Politicians have began full-fledged discussions on a new election system to resolve political regionalism. Under the new system, candidates in general elections can run for both lawmakers at electoral districts and proportional representatives. Runners-up with the most votes will become proportional representatives. President Lee Myung-bak has mentioned the new system several times and Special Affairs Minister Lee Jae-oh said Thursday at the National Assembly, “The system should be applied in the next general elections.” With opposition parties showing a positive response, the system’s adoption is highly likely. Japan is the lone country in the world to use this system and has used it since 1994. In Japan, 300 lawmakers are elected in electoral districts and 180 as proportional representatives.

In Korea, certain parties dominate certain regions, especially in the Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces. Of 67 parliamentary seats in Gyeongsang, 61 are occupied by the ruling Grand National Party. Among 30 seats in the Jeolla provinces, the main opposition Democratic Party has 29. Such a monopoly of seats impedes the collection of regional opinions and allows politicians to hold certain regions hostage for their own interests. If the new system is introduced, candidates from minority parties will actively wage campaigns in regions where they exercise less influence because they have the opportunity to be elected as proportional representatives even if they lose. If the ruling and main opposition parties secure a bridgehead in areas where they have little influence, this will help overcome chronic regional rivalry.

This well-intentioned system should not be exploited by political heavyweights in either camp as a means to maintain power. To prevent such a situation, parties must establish standards to nominate new and capable figures and help them compete for reform. If the number of seats for proportional representation remains unchanged and part of them is reserved for the new system, this will undermine the original purpose of proportional representation, which is to elect experts and the political minority.

Certain politicians suggest significantly expanding seats for proportional representation to make the new system effective. They intend, however, to increase the number of parliamentary seats without reducing that for electoral districts. This will raise public distrust and weaken the case for the new system.