People Power Party, Attention on Possibility of 'Yeongnam Purge'
Democratic Party, Focus on Defense of Nakdong River Belt
The Yeongnam region has long been an area where parties affiliated with the People Power Party have shown strong dominance. In this year's general election, factors such as the scope of the 'purge' led by figures close to President Yoon Seok-yeol are expected to become variables influencing voter sentiment. The Democratic Party of Korea is hoping to consolidate its support base, particularly around the Nakdong River belt.
In the previous election, the People Power Party won 56 out of 65 seats in the Yeongnam region (Gyeongbuk 13, Daegu 12, Busan 18, Ulsan 6, Gyeongnam 16). The Democratic Party won 7 seats, and independents won 2 seats. Subsequently, the independent winners (Hong Joon-pyo, current mayor of Daegu, and Kim Tae-ho, People Power Party lawmaker) all rejoined the People Power Party.
There is a possibility of some changes in electoral districts, such as the integration of Gunwi County into Daegu City and the adjustment of Uljin County into a single electoral district with Uiseong, Cheongsong, and Yeongdeok counties. However, the total number of 65 seats is expected to remain unchanged.
The biggest point of interest in the Yeongnam general election is the scope and direction of personnel renewal. This region, a stronghold of the People Power Party, has historically shown a high rate of turnover. In this election, the fact that many aides close to President Yoon are knocking on doors in Yeongnam is seen as a variable. Since President Yoon's approval rating remains between 30-40%, an excessive purge attempt could provoke backlash. Whether the Democratic Party or independent candidates can exploit this gap, or whether the 'Lee Jun-seok new party' wave will arise, is also a matter of interest.
◆ Voter sentiment in TK
In TK (Daegu and Gyeongbuk), considered the strongest stronghold of the People Power Party, the candidacies of pro-Park figures such as former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Choi Kyung-hwan, former Blue House Civil Affairs Secretary Woo Byung-woo, and lawyer Yoo Young-ha have become focal points. Former Deputy Prime Minister Choi has not yet expressed his position on running in the general election. However, as he continues his local activities in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, his candidacy is widely regarded as a foregone conclusion. Former Secretary Woo's potential candidacy has been mentioned, but no visible moves have been observed.
The Democratic Party is assembling its general election lineup for TK. Although the area is considered a very difficult district, they are putting effort into candidate selection. At present, unless a key man emerges who can lead changes in the electoral system or the political landscape, the People Power Party is expected to maintain its advantage.
◆ Voter sentiment in Bu-Ul-Gyeong
The area encompassing Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam is most focused on the Nakdong River belt, where the Democratic Party has traditionally been strong. Whether the voter sentiment in this area, centered around Nakdong River?such as Yangsan and Gimhae in Gyeongnam, and Buk-gu, Gangseo-gu, and Saha-gu in Busan?will choose the Democratic Party again is a key variable that will determine the voter sentiment in Yeongnam in this general election. During the Moon Jae-in administration, the Nakdong River belt served as a strong foothold for the Democratic Party in Yeongnam. However, through the last general election, presidential election, and local elections, voter sentiment in this area has shifted more conservatively.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
