Seoul: The National Assembly is poised to cast votes later this month on significant bills aimed at merging major cities and provinces into unified administrative entities, a strategic initiative that promises to redefine the forthcoming local elections scheduled for June.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the parliamentary public administration and security committee has already moved the merger bills forward during a plenary session on Thursday, thereby setting the stage for a full Assembly session vote. The proposed legislation aims to merge Daegu with North Gyeongsang Province, Busan with South Gyeongsang Province, Gwangju with South Jeolla Province, and Daejeon with South Chungcheong Province, creating integrated local governments.

The ruling Democratic Party, which commands a majority in the National Assembly, has expressed its intent to ensure the passage of these bills by the end of February. Should the bills secure approval in a plenary session later this month, they would facilitate the completion of the regional mergers ahead of the June 3 local elections, enabling voters to elect the first governors of the newly consolidated entities.

Under the proposed framework, the newly formed integrated special cities would receive up to 20 trillion won (approximately US$13.6 billion) over a span of four years. Additionally, the number of deputy heads would be doubled to four, with these positions being elevated to the rank of vice minister.