The June 3 local elections are now exactly 100 days away. As the first nationwide election since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration one year ago, observers say the results will provide a reading of the political landscape ahead.
According to political circles on the 22nd, this local election is expected to significantly reflect the character of a "midterm evaluation" of the Lee Jae-myung administration, beyond just the redistribution of local power. The Lee administration, which has seized the initiative in managing state affairs with stable approval ratings, has also secured legislative power through the ruling party's parliamentary majority. If it completes the final puzzle by gaining local power as well, the administration will be able to secure stable momentum for governance through the remainder of its term.
Current projections show the ruling Democratic Party of Korea holding the advantage. Having lost to the People Power Party 12-5 in the metropolitan government head races four years ago, the Democratic Party now expects to compete for victories across most of the nation except the Daegu-North Gyeongsang (TK) region. With administrative integration completed and unified mayors to be elected, the number of metropolitan electoral districts in this local election will be reduced to 14.
Seoul and Busan are expected to be the most fiercely contested battlegrounds. Both ruling and opposition parties believe the outcome of the local elections will be determined by results in these regions rather than overall national results. The outcomes of up to 10 National Assembly by-elections will also be crucial.