Kim Jin-pyo Pushes for Election System Reform: "Let's Finalize the Electoral District System in March"

"Propose Multiple Bills at the February Political Reform Special Committee, Confirm at the March Plenary Committee"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo has strengthened efforts to discuss electoral district system reform early this year. Speaker Kim proposed a schedule to complete the revision of the law in March after discussing the reform of the electoral district system through the 'Plenary Committee' in the February National Assembly session.

On the 2nd, after the National Assembly's opening ceremony, Speaker Kim met with reporters and said, "The current single-member district system has been criticized for generating many wasted votes, failing to properly reflect the will of the people in election results, and intensifying political confrontation and conflict due to the winner-takes-all electoral system." He added, "As one alternative, a multi-member district system has been proposed. In addition, it is necessary to create a new election law by well combining various alternatives, including the mixed-member proportional representation system."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Speaker Kim stated, "The Political Reform Special Committee plans to propose multiple election law amendment bills by mid-February at the latest, refer them to a plenary session involving all 300 members of the National Assembly, and finalize the electoral system for next year's general election by mid-March."

He said, "Depending on the electoral system, it will also help regional balanced development, and the public's voting intentions will be proportionally reflected in elections. Conservative politicians can be elected in Honam, and progressive politicians in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, enabling a political system that reflects regional voting sentiments."

In the afternoon, Speaker Kim met with reporters again and said, "Among the many claims made so far, I believe we can create a consensus by institutionalizing these, conducting simulations, and verifying them." He added, "By April, the electoral district delineation will also be completed. The law stipulates that electoral districts must be delineated within one year before the election, and this time, I asked the President for support at the Blue House New Year's greeting ceremony to ensure this deadline is met."