How Are Candidates Selected for Presidential Debates?
In South Korea, not every presidential candidate gets a chance to participate in the crucial televised debates. Despite registering officially as a candidate, some individuals never make it to the TV screen. The reason lies in the stringent criteria set by law for debate participation.
Legal Framework for Debate Participation
Under the Public Official Election Act, only candidates who meet the ‘invitation criteria’ can participate in official TV debates. To be considered an invited candidate, one must satisfy at least one of the following conditions: belong to a political party with at least five seats in the National Assembly, have a party that garnered at least 3% of the vote in the most recent presidential, legislative, or local elections, or have an average approval rating of 5% or more in public opinion polls.
Who Made the Cut for the 2025 Debates?
For the 2025 presidential election, only four candidates met these criteria. Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party satisfied the seat and voting history requirements. Lee Jun-seok from the Innovation Party qualified through public support, while Kwon Young-guk of the Labor Party leveraged historical vote percentages from the former Justice Party. These candidates are entitled to three appearances in prime-time televised debates.
The Challenges for Non-Invited Candidates
Candidates like Gu Ju-hwa (Liberty Unification Party), Hwang Kyo-ahn (Independent), and Song Jin-ho (Independent) failed to meet any of the invitation criteria. As a result, they are classified as non-invited candidates and are limited to a single debate appearance, often scheduled late at night. This time slot, sometimes even after midnight, significantly reduces their visibility and voter engagement. In the 2022 election, candidate Heo Kyung-young expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement, highlighting the challenges faced by non-invited candidates.
Is the Current Debate Selection Fair?
Although the criteria are legally established, they are often criticized for favoring established parties. The requirement of holding five or more legislative seats is a significant barrier for new parties and independents. Historical vote percentages are irrelevant for new parties, and achieving a 5% approval rating is challenging without media exposure. Consequently, the criteria may hinder political diversity and fair competition.
Potential for Reform in Debate Participation
While it may not be feasible to include all candidates in a single debate, offering only one late-night opportunity to non-invited candidates is seen as inequitable. Improving fairness could involve aligning debate times or increasing the frequency of debates for non-invited candidates. Ensuring these debates are accessible on major platforms for later viewing is also crucial. Given that all candidates meet the same registration and deposit requirements, equitable speaking opportunities should be guaranteed.
Ensuring Fairness in Democratic Processes
Presidential elections should be a comprehensive exercise in democracy, where voters make informed choices based on ample information. It’s time to reassess whether the current debate selection criteria adequately support political fairness and voter information access. Establishing a system where all candidates compete from the same starting line is essential for true democracy.
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This blog post delves into the criteria for participating in South Korean presidential debates, examining the legal framework and highlighting its potential impact on political diversity and fairness. The analysis includes both factual information and critical commentary, offering a comprehensive view of the current debate selection process.