1.3 Million Invalid Proportional Representation Votes... The Highest Ever

Satellite Parties and Proportional Representation Parties Run Rampant... "No One to Vote For"

In the 22nd general election, the number of invalid votes for proportional representation reached 1.3 million, accounting for 4.4% of all voters, marking the highest in the history of general elections.

According to the proportional representation voting results released by the National Election Commission on the 15th, invalid votes totaled 1,309,931, ranking fourth after Gukminui Mirae (36.7%), Deobureo Minju Yeonhap (26.7%), and Joguk Hyeoksin Dang (24.3%). This figure surpassed those of Gaehyeok Sindang (3.6%), Noksaek Jeonguidang (2.1%), and Saeroun Mirae (1.7%) as well.

The proportion of invalid votes in proportional representation elections has surged since the 21st general election, when the semi-linked proportional representation system was introduced and satellite parties were cunningly created around the two major parties.

During the 18th to 20th general elections, when the parallel proportional representation system was in place, the invalid vote rates were only 1.6%, 2.2%, and 2.7%, respectively. However, in the 21st general election, invalid votes reached approximately 1.22 million, accounting for 4.2% of the total.

The semi-linked proportional representation system links constituency seats and proportional seats so that parties winning many constituency seats receive fewer proportional seats. However, the creation of satellite parties by the two major parties to avoid losing seats has been criticized for undermining the original purpose of the system.

In this general election as well, the proliferation of satellite parties and various proportional parties competitively created by the two major parties, Gukminui Him and Deobureo Minjudang, caused voter confusion. Combined with backlash against this abnormal situation, it is interpreted that a large number of invalid votes were produced.

The proportional representation ballot paper in this general election was the longest ever, measuring 51.7 cm. It included past names of Gukminui Him such as Saenuri Dang and Hannara Dang, as well as similarly named parties like Daehan Gukmin Dang and Daehan Minguk Dang.