The Democratic Party of Korea won 144 of the 167 total seats (86.2%) in the Gyeonggi Provincial Council election in the 9th nationwide local elections, reducing the People Power Party to a minor party.
According to the final tally of Gyeonggi provincial council votes compiled by the National Election Commission on Wednesday, the Democratic Party secured 133 constituency seats, while the People Power Party won just 13. Only in proportional representation seats did the balance even out somewhat, with the Democratic Party taking 11, the People Power Party 9, and the Rebuilding Korea Party 1.
In the previous election, the 8th local elections in 2022, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party each took 78 of the 156 total seats, creating an unprecedented situation in which the ruling and opposition parties held an equal number of seats.
As a result, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party clashed fiercely from the early stages of council formation, including over the selection of the leadership and standing committee chairs, and disruptions frequently occurred during votes on the main budget and supplementary budget bills.
With the Democratic Party now holding an overwhelming majority, the provincial council, which will make a fresh start in July, is expected to ease the burden on the provincial administration of Choo Mi-ae, the 9th popularly elected governor.
"Unlike the previous provincial council, we may have good reason to expect smooth cooperation," a Gyeonggi Province official said with delight.
