Democratic Party Wins Local Elections, Opposition Faces Defeat

Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae (left) and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk watch the exit poll results for the June 3 local elections. [Photo=Yonhap News]

The Democratic Party achieved a decisive victory in the local elections and National Assembly by-elections held on June 3, with no unexpected outcomes. The People Power Party had hoped for a last-minute rallying of support, aided by former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye campaigning for them, but failed to turn the tide. This result is seen as strengthening the governance momentum for President Lee Jae-myung, who is marking his first year in office.

In this election, the Democratic Party not only swept the metropolitan area but also demonstrated strong support in the traditionally conservative Yeongnam region. The party attributed this success to high approval ratings for President Lee Jae-myung. Cho Seung-rae, the party's secretary-general, held a briefing at the National Assembly's counting center around 10 p.m., stating, "We asked the public to lend their support to the president during the election process, and they responded positively."

Conversely, the People Power Party, which had expressed optimism about a close contest due to a late surge in conservative support, appeared shocked by the election results. Following the exit polls, the party's leadership has not issued any significant statements regarding the outcome. Earlier, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, left the counting center without making any comments. The atmosphere in the counting center was filled with sighs and silence.

As of 11:50 p.m., the People Power Party was leading in the conservative strongholds of Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam, but was trailing in other regions. In Daegu, known as a conservative bastion, the race remained competitive.

During the election campaign, the People Power Party attempted to position itself as a check on the Lee Jae-myung administration by referencing issues like the special investigation law for canceled prosecutions, but these efforts did not resonate with voters. As a result, calls for the resignation of Jang Dong-hyuk and the party leadership are expected to intensify.

Regarding the election results, Eom Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, told Aju Economy, "With no nationwide elections for the next two years, this is essentially giving a blank check to President Lee and the Democratic Party," adding that it reflects public sentiment allowing the ruling party to govern as it sees fit. He also emphasized that this could be viewed as a judgment on the regressive actions of Jang Dong-hyuk and the People Power Party.

* This article has been translated by AI.

LEE KEONHEE