511 elected without voter choice in local polls; 'Protect voting rights,' activists demand

South Korea's recent 9th simultaneous local elections saw an unprecedented 511 candidates elected without facing a vote. This figure includes three local government heads and 508 council members across various levels, marking the second-highest number of uncontested elections in the country's history. The system, designed to reduce costs by avoiding campaigning and voting when only one candidate or fewer candidates than seats are available, is increasingly drawing criticism for undermining democratic participation.

The uncontested winners are predominantly affiliated with the two major political parties: 284 from the Democratic Party and 226 from the People Power Party, with only one from the Progressive Party. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in regions with strong, established party support, such as Yeongnam and Honam, where opposing parties often refrain from fielding candidates. The proportion of uncontested seats among directly elected provincial council members stands at 13.6%, with significant numbers in areas like Jeonnam, Gwangju, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk.

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About 42% of city council members were decided without the direct choice of citizens.

Even in the Seoul metropolitan area, uncontested elections are on the rise. For instance, the election for Siheung mayor in Gyeonggi Province saw the incumbent, Lim Byung-taek of the Democratic Party, elected without a vote, a first for a metropolitan area mayoral race. Across all local council seats, including district and proportional representation, 13.2% (399 members) were elected uncontested, with over half concentrated in the metropolitan region. This often occurs in districts electing two members, where the two major parties each nominate one candidate, effectively predetermining the outcome.

Civic groups are voicing strong concerns. The Gwangmyeong Citizens Coalition for Economic Justice issued a statement highlighting that approximately 42% of city council seats were decided without direct citizen choice, calling for a re-evaluation of the fundamental values of local autonomy and democracy. The Public Official Election Act prohibits campaigning for uncontested candidates, leaving voters with no opportunity to learn about them. Experts suggest reforms such as expanding multi-member constituencies, increasing proportional representation, allowing regional parties, and strengthening candidate support. Some propose implementing "yes/no" votes for uncontested candidates or holding by-elections if candidates are scarce.

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We can consider holding 'yes/no' votes for uncontested candidates, or if it's difficult to find candidates, consider electing them in by-elections with more time.