Seoul: In the upcoming June 3 local elections, 513 candidates across South Korea have been elected unopposed, securing victory simply by registering their candidacies. This unprecedented situation raises concerns about the strength of grassroots democracy in the nation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the National Election Commission's results of candidate registration, which were conducted on Thursday and Friday, reveal that a total of 510 local council candidates were elected uncontested. Among them are 108 metropolitan and provincial council members and 305 municipal and district or county council members. Additionally, three heads of local governments responsible for regional administration also won uncontested. The average candidate-to-seat ratio in this election was 1.81 to 1, matching the record low set in the 2022 elections.

Residents in 307 constituencies have effectively lost the opportunity to evaluate candidates' qualifications and campaign pledges and to vote out unfit contenders. In regions like Honam and Yeongnam, the elections reflect a stronghold by the liberal Democratic Party of Korea and the conservative People Power Party, respectively, highlighting a lack of genuine electoral competition.

In Gwangju, a Democratic Party stronghold, two district heads were elected unopposed as party members. Similarly, in Siheung, part of the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, the People Power Party did not field a mayoral candidate, resulting in an uncontested victory for a Democratic Party candidate. This marks the first time a mayor of a Greater Seoul city with a population exceeding 500,000 has been elected without opposition.

Local governments dominated by a single party risk facing corruption and economic stagnation. In a system where securing a party nomination virtually guarantees election, candidates often prioritize catering to local lawmakers controlling nominations over serving the voters.

Politicians are being urged to address the rise in uncontested elections. Suggestions include implementing a yes-or-no vote if only one candidate is present and ensuring voters have access to the necessary information to assess candidates' qualifications. Current election law prohibits unopposed candidates from canvassing for votes or making campaign pledges, further limiting voter engagement.

The avoidance of one-on-one debates by some ruling party candidates also raises concerns. In the Seoul mayoral election, People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon proposed a debate with Democratic Party candidate Chong Won-o, who declined. Similarly, in Busan's Bukgu-A constituency, People Power Party's Park Min-shik and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon have called for televised debates with Democratic Party's Ha Jung-woo, whose camp has declined participation outside legally mandated debates.

With 8,211,461 registered voters, Seoul's electorate is second only to Gyeonggi Province, and the mayoral race garners significant attention akin to a presidential election. It is crucial for candidates to engage in debates to allow voters to evaluate their policies and vision, a responsibility candidates must actively fulfill.

Politicians are encouraged to consider amending election laws to address issues that undermine voters' ability to make informed choices, including the prevalence of uncontested victories and candidates dodging debates.