Why Are Candidates Crowding the People Power Party By-Election...

14 Candidates for Seoul Mayor, 9 Candidates for Busan Mayor

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Candidates are bustling to apply for the People Power Party nomination in the April 7 by-elections. While the Democratic Party has 2 to 3 candidates mentioned for both Seoul and Busan, the People Power Party has 14 candidates vying for the Seoul mayoral position and 9 for the Busan mayoral position, creating a stark contrast.

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, who is running for the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, is giving a greeting at the "Park Won-soon Administration's Lost 10 Years, Promise for a New Leap" presentation held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 24th, political experts cited the greatest reason for the influx of candidates in the People Power Party nomination as the possibility of winning. Park Sang-byeong, a visiting professor at Inha University Graduate School of Policy, explained in a phone interview, "As President Moon Jae-in's term nears its end, his support base has weakened and a judgment phase has opened, increasing the chances of winning if one becomes the People Power Party's Seoul mayor candidate," adding, "This is why many candidates are jumping into the election race."

Political commentator Yoo Chang-sun also said, "Since the election is expected to favor the opposition party, more candidates are gathering," and added, "They believe their chances have increased." Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon analyzed, "Because the People Power Party is seen as highly likely to win this time, players are overflowing."

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, a candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election, visited a PC bang located in Bukgajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 21st to listen to the difficulties faced by self-employed business owners severely affected by COVID-19. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

In addition to expectations for a judgment election in the latter half of the administration, there is also an analysis that the aftermath of the opposition's consecutive election defeats has had an impact. Commentator Yoo explained, "For politicians who lost in the last general election, the situation has changed, so they are trying to enter the election as a stepping stone for a comeback," adding, "Even if they do not become candidates, some want to confirm their presence." This means that in a situation where political damage from election defeats is significant, they enter the election to reaffirm their political presence.

There is also an analysis that candidates with low name recognition have jumped in to raise their profile. Commentator Lee said, "Some candidates are trying to increase their recognition within the party through this candidacy," and added, "It will be a choice for their next political move." For them, "Competing in the party primary itself is like a kind of rehearsal," he analyzed.

The absence of a candidate with overwhelming superiority was also cited as a reason for the influx of candidates. Professor Park analyzed, "There is no strong, prominent candidate in the People Power Party; only former lawmaker Na Kyung-won or former mayor Oh Se-hoon are mentioned," adding, "If you consider political experience and a desire to be Seoul mayor, this is seen as the right time to jump in."

Additionally, the decision to reflect a 20% bonus score in the preliminary primary was also cited as a background for the influx of candidates.

The People Power Party will decide preliminary candidates through interviews and evaluations in Seoul on the 24th and in Busan on the 25th. After deciding preliminary candidates on the 26th, they plan to confirm those who pass the preliminary primary on the 5th of next month. The final candidates will be announced on March 4 after public opinion surveys.