hankyoreh

Following the June 2 regional elections, there have been only bright expressions on the faces of the main opposition Democratic Party leadership. It is also possible to read a mood of satisfaction with the election results and quiet boasting of accomplishments and contributions. It is impossible to erase the feeling that they completely misreading something.

During the campaign, the DP, rather than contributing, revealed endemic limits and incompetence. Despite the ruling party’s decision to twist the Cheonan sinking to create an oppressive political national security situation, the DP’s response was inconsistence. They could not fully commit to arguing for doubts in the investigation results and the ruling government’s incompetence in security issues, nor could that change the situation through a different point of contention. Even despite Seoul mayoral candidate Han Myeong-sook raising the “anti-war” slogan, the DP was too cautious. The DP did not cooperate, thus Han’s candlelight campaigning at Gwanghwamun Square was made up mostly of Democratic Labor Party (DLP) members. Despite having had to strengthen their identity in the direction of progressive reform, the DP lost confidence even in its existing platform and was hesitant.



In the major regions where the Democratic Party won, the strength of unified opposition candidates was great. Yet from the perspective of the opposition alliance, too, the DP did not sufficiently consider or support its partners in the role of an elder sibling. In the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial race, former candidate Rhyu Si-min could not sufficiently make use of the advantages of a unified candidate. Regarding this, it is impossible to avoid that the Democratic Party could not unify its local organization in Gyeonggi Province. This is something the party will need to reflect on for future opposition alliances.



The party’s regional limits and inability to escape its image as a decrepit party were also made clear. Kim Doo-kwan, who won the race to become governor of Gyeongsangnam Province, recognized the limits of the DP early on and chose to run as an independent.

This year, the DP ran far fewer candidates in the Yeongnam region compared the time period when Kim Dae-jung ran the party. The common characteristic between Song Yong-gil, Ahn Hee-jung, Lee Kwang-jae and Kim Doo-kwan was their image as young candidates that gave off a strong impression. This could be interpreted as a sign that if the DP enacts generational change, it could recover public support. The core of the DP, however, still lacks dynamism. This is why they are filled with figures that give the impression of being the same old party leaders.

The voters know these issues well. Despite this, in order to place a verdict on the Lee Myung-bak government, they necessarily voted for the largest opposition party. If the DP does not face this reality, it has no future. The DP should not be content with the election results, but rather pledge to reform itself. The DP needs reflection and reform just as much as the Lee Myung-bak administration.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]