Democratic Party, "Expecting Over 91 Districts in the Capital Area, 17 Proportional Seats... Predicted Total Seats '130+α'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Lee Geun-hyung, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, predicted that the Democratic Party will secure at least 130 seats in the constituencies in the upcoming April 15 general election.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 10th, Lee held a press briefing at the National Assembly and said, "The expected number of seats is currently 130 plus alpha (α)." He explained, "I think securing up to 130 seats is relatively stable, but I don't know how large the plus alpha will be."

He forecasted that the party could win more than 91 seats in the Seoul metropolitan area. Lee said, "In the last 20th general election, we won 82 seats, but due to electoral district adjustments, the Gunpo area was reduced by one, making it 81 seats. Compared to last time, an additional 10 seats seem possible, and there are also some 'neck-and-neck' districts. There is hope for areas we have not held before."

He pointed out Gangwon Province, where 8 seats are at stake, as the closest battleground he is most concerned about. Lee said, "Gangwon has about three districts we are winning steadily, and the remaining five are almost 'neck-and-neck.' In the last general election, we only won one seat there, but I hope it will become an 'earnings surprise' (a market-beating unexpected result) area in corporate terms."

He projected 17 seats for proportional representation. Lee said, "I have hopes that 17 seats are possible," but added, "Citizens still do not fully recognize that the Together Citizens' Party is the Democratic Party's proportional party, and there is also the variable of the Open Democratic Party." He continued, "As awareness grows, I expect we can achieve our initial goal."

During the subsequent Q&A with reporters, Lee addressed the 'shy voter variable,' saying, "There is a national judgment that the ruling party should be empowered, so the ruling party's approval rating has come out relatively high. However, even considering that, it does not seem likely to affect the outcome to the extent of reversing the results."

Regarding the opposition's allegation of the 'Nth Room scandal involving the ruling party,' he responded, "It seems someone is hoping for a slander that someone is involved to shake up the situation," and added, "Whatever stories come out are fake news. Nevertheless, I anticipated the possibility of raising suspicions of involvement to prevent time for clarification. I believe it will not influence the public."