Feb 11 • 02:17 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Year One Leisure: Democrats and ‘Only Justice’ Reforms - Can Election Coalition Be Possible with Different Calculations?

Discussions on an electoral coalition between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party intensify as Justice Party leader Cho Kuk agrees to the formation of a committee proposed by the Democratic Party.

The potential for an electoral alliance between South Korea's Democratic Party and the Justice Party is becoming more tangible as Justice Party leader Cho Kuk has expressed agreement to form a preparatory committee for coalition discussions for the upcoming local elections. Cho emphasized the need for clarity regarding the nature of the proposed coalition by the Democratic Party, questioning whether it constitutes a genuine cooperative strategy for local elections or merely a rhetorical commitment. He suggests that if they are indeed discussing a local election coalition, it is crucial for the committee to establish the principles and methods for such an alliance.

As both parties shift their focus towards the local elections, the Democratic Party appears set to engage in further coalition discussions. Democratic Party lawmaker Han Jun-ho mentioned the feasibility of working together, recalling previous successful collaborations in past elections. He highlighted the need for strategic discussions regarding areas where both parties could agree on candidates, especially in regions favorable to the Justice Party.

The discussions on a potential electoral alliance might echo historical precedents, particularly the collaboration between the Democratic United Party (the current Democratic Party) and the Unified Progressive Party during the 2012 elections. This previous alliance was designed to create a broadened opposition front against the ruling party, which may serve as a blueprint for the current negotiations. Analysts speculate that the two parties may aim for a strategy where they jointly nominate candidates in crucial districts while allowing for some competitive positioning in others, particularly in regions where the Justice Party is more competitive, all while trying to prevent the ruling People Power Party from gaining more seats.

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