Here’s an overview of the national election system in South Korea:
1. Electoral Structure: South Korea follows a democratic republic system. The country is divided into provinces and metropolitan cities. Elections are held at the national level to elect representatives to the National Assembly and the President of South Korea.
2. National Assembly: The National Assembly is the unicameral legislative body of South Korea. It has 300 members, known as Members of the National Assembly. Members are elected from single-member constituencies and proportional representation lists. 253 members are elected through a first-past-the-post voting system in single-member constituencies, and 47 members are elected through a proportional representation system based on party lists.
3. Voting System: South Korea uses a mixed-member proportional representation system for the National Assembly. Voters cast two votes – one for a candidate in their single-member constituency and another for a political party. The single-member constituency seats are allocated using a first-past-the-post system, and the proportional representation seats are allocated to ensure proportional representation of parties based on their overall share of the national vote.
4. Presidential Election: The President of South Korea is elected through a direct popular vote. The presidential election takes place every five years. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes nationwide is declared the winner. The President can serve only one five-year term and cannot be re-elected.
5. National Election Commission: The National Election Commission is an independent body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in South Korea. It ensures the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate nominations, and the administration of elections.
6. Voter Eligibility: To be eligible to vote in national elections in South Korea, a person must be a citizen of South Korea and at least 19 years old on the day of the election. Voters must be registered on the electoral roll.
7. Election Timing: The President of South Korea has a fixed five-year term, and the National Assembly elections are held every four years. The specific dates for elections are determined by the authorities and can vary.
