Can a Third Party Form a Negotiation Bloc in Integrated Gwangju-Jeonnam Council?

The upcoming integrated Gwangju-Jeonnam provincial council, launching July 1, is sparking interest in the possibility of a third party forming a negotiation bloc. This potential shift is attributed to electoral system changes, including the introduction of multi-member constituencies and an increased proportion of proportional representation.

Under the new system, four constituencies in Gwangju will elect multiple council members, a change from the single-member system. This increases the chances for smaller parties to win seats. Parties like the Progressive Party, the Justice Party, and the Basic Income Party have fielded candidates in these multi-member districts, aiming for representation in the provincial council. The proportion of proportional representation seats has also risen from 10% to 14% in the Gwangju City Council and from 6 to 8 seats in the Jeonnam Provincial Council. Even if the Democratic Party secures a significant majority of these seats, others will be allocated to different parties, including the People Power Party.

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The Justice Party could win 6-7 seats in the provincial council, and if combined with the Progressive Party and independents, it could easily exceed 10 seats.

Analysts suggest these electoral reforms could pave the way for a joint negotiation bloc by third parties. The Justice Party has nominated 15 candidates, the Progressive Party 16, the Basic Income Party 5, and the Justice Party 2 for proportional representation. A Justice Party official expressed confidence that their party could win 6-7 seats, and with the support of the Progressive Party and independents, they could exceed 10 seats. A representative from the Progressive Party's Jeonnam chapter noted that the region's political landscape has historically been dominated by the Democratic Party, limiting the reflection of diverse opinions. A negotiation bloc, they believe, would foster more discussion and coordination on council operations and agendas.

While the exact criteria for a negotiation bloc in the new integrated council are yet to be determined, current standards require at least four seats in the Gwangju City Council and six in the Jeonnam Provincial Council. Discussions are planned between the Gwangju and Jeonnam council secretariats to establish these new rules. Historically, third-party negotiation blocs have formed in these provincial councils, notably in 2004 and 2016 with the Grand National Party and the People's Party, and in 2012 with the Unified Progressive Party and independents. However, these past instances involved politicians switching parties rather than smaller parties independently gaining significant representation.

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Due to the overwhelming dominance of the Democratic Party in Jeonnam and Gwangju, it has been difficult to reflect other opinions. If a negotiation bloc is formed, there will be more processes for coordination and discussion on council operations and agendas.