Assessment of electoral reforms in Korea

Abstract

This paper aim to assess the recent electoral reforms in terms of democratic criteria. First, the new electoral system can be evaluated as reflecting democratic principles more accurately than did the previous one; this is because the new system - the proportional representation system - permits voters to make choices among parties and candidates. Second, this system does not take into account the local or regional distribution of electorates or local and regional specialties and identities. Third, the proportional representation system has the potential to resolve disproportionality; however, its effect is mimimal. Fourth, the new rule that compels parties to offer a balanced selection of candidates, when offering their lists for the proportional representation of seats, has drastically increased the proportion of female representation in the National Assembly. However, the new electoral system also needs to be revised in order for democratic principles, especially with respect to political equality, to be reflected as closely as possible. For a proportional representation election, the electoral system should be revised from a single national list of candidates to a province-based list; moreover, it should be revised in order to increase the number of seats allocated on the basis of a proportional representation election. We need to undertake further efforts to increase the proportion of female representation in the National Assembly. In this regard, we should consider the introduction of a quota system for female representation as part of the single-member district elections. © 2008 by The Institute of Korean Studies.