지방선거의 정당공천: 경선제 도입의 문제점과 개선방안

Abstract

Due to the strong regionalism entrenched in the electoral circumstance in Korea, the party nomination for local elections has weakened the inter-party competitions in addiction to the local independence from central politics. This study analyzes the effect of regionalism on local elections and reveals the overwhelming influence of party nomination on the electoral outcomes. Given the regionalism as an electoral circumstance, the issue should be approached through the democratization of party organization and party nomination process. Only by the shift/transformation mating of political atmosphere, local politics will be recognized for its fully developed democratization. This study examines the limitations of the newly introduced party nomination system. It also brings further discussion on the institutional reform for an open primary.