[Local Election D-120] Registration for Preliminary Candidates Begins... Clash Between 'Martial Law Judgment' and 'Livelihood Judgment'

On the 3rd, 120 days before the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections, the election management committees of 17 cities and provinces across the country began the registration of preliminary candidates for the elections of metropolitan mayors and education superintendents. This election, which serves as the first public sentiment evaluation of the Lee Jae-myung administration that was launched due to last year's early presidential election, is expected to be a major turning point that will determine the future political landscape amid the restructured political dynamics following the '12.3 Martial Law Incident'.

The Democratic Party aims to dominate this local election following victories in the 2024 general election and the 2025 presidential election, thereby completely seizing 'local power'. The party is particularly emphasizing the 'Martial Law Judgment' regarding the '12.3 Martial Law Incident'. Their strategy is to maintain public sentiment for judgment until the election day by leveraging the 'Second Comprehensive Special Investigation Act' recently passed under the leadership of the pro-government coalition.

At the same time, they plan to gain an advantage in traditional strongholds such as the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions (TK·PK) through the 'local administrative integration' card that the government and ruling party are currently promoting. Secretary-General Cho Seung-rae appealed for support, stating, "To lead the large metropolitan entity that will emerge from administrative integration, a ruling party candidate who can communicate closely with the central government is essential." However, the controversy over the merger with the Justice Reform Party and the factional conflicts ahead of the August party convention are seen as internal variables.

The People Power Party, which has shifted to the opposition, is determined to use this election as a stepping stone for conservative reconstruction. They are countering the 'Martial Law Judgment' with the 'Livelihood Judgment' focusing on issues like real estate, seeking to exploit the government's vulnerabilities. Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong emphasized, "We will judge the failures of the Lee Jae-myung administration and show a transformed image as an alternative party."

However, the internal situation of the party is not easy. Following the expulsion of former leader Han Dong-hoon, internal strife has reached its peak, and they are struggling to attract the centrist voters due to the responsibility for the martial law incident. In particular, rumors regarding the 'cut-off' of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has rebelled against the leadership of Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, continue to create noise around nominations, leading to expected difficulties during the primary process.

Those who registered as preliminary candidates from this day can conduct election campaigns within limited scopes such as setting up campaign offices, distributing business cards, and wearing shoulder bands. The deposit for metropolitan mayor candidates is 10 million won, and education superintendent candidates must submit additional documents such as a non-party member confirmation.

A representative from the Central Election Management Commission stated, "As this is an important election that determines grassroots democracy, we will ensure fair and clean election management."