Whatever happens in these elections, the results are going to have a significant impact on Korea's political landscape over the coming months.
They could also be a good indicator of what we can expect at the next presidential race.
Park Ji-won reports.
The results of the June 4th local elections will significantly change the political landscape of Korea.
If the ruling camp wins the election,... despite harsh public criticism against the incumbent government following its poor handling of the ferry disaster,... the Park Geun-hye administration could gain enough political momentum to steer the state affairs... for the rest of her term.
The government's ambitious policy goals, which include deregulation reforms and a three-year plan for economic innovation, may also gain political support.
However, if the ruling Saenuri Party loses to opposition camps, not only in its traditionally weak regions... but also in regions where neck-and-neck races are expected,... the conservative party will be in a turmoil,... starting from an upcoming party convention, scheduled in July.
Politicians inside the party, who are close to President Park, will most likely be held responsible.
The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy will also face diverging scenarios, according to the results of the elections.
If it wins the elections,... the late-March merger of the former main opposition Democratic Party... and political icon Ahn Cheol-soo's New Political Vision Party... will gain the justification it so desperately needs.
The co-leadership of Kim Han-gil and Ahn Cheol-soo will be strengthened,... in preparing for the next general elections and eventually, the next presidential election.
But in the case that the main opposition loses in major neck-and-neck race regions,... the co-leadership will be significantly hurt...
and the fledgling party could face the danger of being embroiled in factional strife.
Park Ji-won, Arirang News.
