"While Candidates Are Working Hard on the Ground"... Calls for Self-Reflection Over Delayed Electoral District Delimitation

Lim Mi-ae Criticizes: "Subcommittees Aren't Functioning"

Ruling and Opposition Parties: "No Roadmap... Set a Date"

Chairman Song Kiheon: "We Must All Take Responsibility"

There has been self-reflection voiced within the Special Committee on Political Reform in the National Assembly regarding the fact that, with just over 80 days left until the June 3 local elections, discussions on redrawing electoral districts have yet to take place, let alone within the legal time frame of six months. Attention is now focused on whether the committee can accelerate the relevant discussions.

At the plenary meeting of the Special Committee on Political Reform on March 13, several members expressed regret about the meeting schedule. Lim Mi-ae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, remarked, "The Special Committee on Political Reform is not convening meetings as it should. This is only the second plenary meeting, and the subcommittees are not functioning properly either. I don't know what we should say to those actually working on the ground."

Song Kiheon, chairman, is striking the gavel at the plenary meeting of the Special Committee on Political Reform held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yonhap News

Assemblywoman Lim further stated, "The Special Committee on Political Reform does not have a roadmap for when an answer will be provided on redistricting, aside from party-related legislative matters. I would like an answer on this issue."

In response to these points, Yoon Kunyoung, the Democratic Party secretary for the committee, said, "I absolutely agree that we must respond to those who are anxiously waiting on the ground. Starting today, I believe the committee should operate quickly, and especially, we need to reach a swift conclusion on the redistricting issue."

Park Deokheum, a member of the People Power Party, also commented, "If we set a clear roadmap for when we will finish, it will help candidates in the regions plan their activities accordingly. Even if the committee chair cannot specify an exact date, it would be good to send a message indicating by when we plan to conclude."

Song Kiheon, chairman of the committee (affiliated with the Democratic Party), stated, "We all must take deep responsibility for the fact that the committee's schedule has been delayed and progress has not been made. We know how much pain this causes to those on the ground. There is a real need for in-depth discussion on this matter."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.