How Are Candidate Numbers Assigned in South Korea’s Presidential Election?
With the 2025 South Korean presidential election on the horizon, understanding how candidate numbers are determined is crucial for both voters and candidates. The assignment of candidate numbers is more than just a procedural formality—it plays a significant role in election campaigns and voter recognition.
The Legal Framework: Public Official Election Act
According to Article 72 of the Public Official Election Act, the candidate numbers in South Korea’s presidential election are assigned based on the following criteria:
- Political Parties with Parliamentary Seats: Candidates from parties holding seats in the National Assembly are assigned numbers according to the number of seats, starting from the largest party.
- Parties Without Parliamentary Seats: Candidates from parties without seats are assigned numbers based on the alphabetical order of their party names in Korean.
- Independent Candidates: Numbers for independent candidates are determined by a draw conducted by the National Election Commission (NEC).
2025 Presidential Election Candidate Numbers
In the 2025 presidential election, candidate numbers have been assigned as follows:
- Number 1: Candidate Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party, which holds the most seats in the National Assembly.
- Number 2: Candidate Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party, the second-largest party in terms of parliamentary seats.
- Number 3: This number remains unassigned due to the absence of a candidate from the party with the third-largest number of seats.
- Number 4: Candidate Lee Jun-seok from the Reform Party, assigned based on the alphabetical order of party names.
- Number 5: Candidate Kwon Young-kuk from the Democratic Labor Party, renamed in May 2025.
- Number 6: Candidate Koo Ju-hwa from the Freedom Unification Party, assigned based on the alphabetical criteria.
- Number 7: Independent candidate Hwang Kyo-ahn, number assigned through NEC’s draw.
- Number 8: Independent candidate Song Jin-ho, also assigned through a draw.
Why Is Number 3 Vacant?
The vacant number 3 is not an oversight but a result of the Public Official Election Act, which dictates that if a party with parliamentary seats does not field a candidate, the associated number remains unassigned. This ensures the election process’s fairness and consistency.
Impact of Candidate Numbers on Elections
Candidate numbers are crucial for elections as they assist voters in easily identifying candidates. These numbers appear in various media, such as televised debates, election leaflets, and posters, significantly influencing candidate recognition.
Comparing International Practices
Interestingly, the system of candidate number assignment is not unique to South Korea. Many countries have similar mechanisms to ensure clarity and simplicity in elections. For instance, Japan also assigns numbers to candidates in its elections, based on similar criteria.
Conclusion: The Significance of Candidate Numbers
Understanding how candidate numbers are assigned in South Korea provides valuable insight into the country’s electoral process. These numbers are not just identifiers; they are integral to campaign strategies and voter education. As the 2025 election approaches, both candidates and voters must navigate these numbers carefully to ensure a transparent and fair election process.