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| Ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairwoman Rep. Choo Mi-ae, center, speaks about the upcoming local elections at a press conference, Wednesday. / Yonhap |
By Choi Ha-young
The campaigns for mayoral, gubernatorial and local council elections, as well as by-elections for 12 parliamentary seats, will officially start Thursday.
With candidates from the ruling party highly expected to sweep the elections, in which 2,280 public servants including 17 mayors and governors, as well as 17 superintendents of education will be chosen.
Political parties are coming up with their election strategies and goals. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has reaffirmed its slogan, "Peace and the Economy." The party has vowed to revamp the nation's economy by ensuring peace, in line with inter-Korean peace overtures.
DPK candidates are widely expected to sweep the elections, as the largest conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP) is in shambles.
DPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae showed her determination to clinch posts in the Gyeongsang Provinces, Busan and Ulsan in a press conference Wednesday. These areas have been strongholds of conservatives, where the largest liberal party has always been defeated.
This time, the DPK is trying to turn the tables, boosted by the popularity of President Moon, a former Busan-based human rights lawyer. In the South Gyeongsang Province gubernatorial election, the party nominated former lawmaker Kim Kyoung-soo, a close associate of President Moon. Kim was also a loyal aide to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, who was born in the province.
"The party will focus its capacities on Busan, Ulsan and the Gyeongsang area, in an effort to break away from regionalism," Choo said. "Kim is a person who fully understands Moon's philosophy. He will definitely implement the President's economic policies."
She introduced Ulsan mayoral candidate Song Cheol-ho, as a longtime friend of Roh and Moon.
According to polls, DPK candidates have consolidated support in these areas. Kim gained over 50 percent support, almost twice as much as the LKP candidate. In a survey in Busan, Oh Geo-don from the DPK had support of 57 percent. The DPK's Ulsan mayoral candidate Song has also topped in some polls.
Amid the overwhelming popularity of President Moon, the conservative LKP is struggling to highlight the liberal administration's missteps in the economy. "We are relieved to see citizens turning their attention to the economy, away from inter-Korean relationss," LKP Chairman Hong Joon-pyo said on Facebook, Wednesday.
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