Women’s Political Participation and Elections in Korea 2013. 11. 1 Lee, Jeong-jin

Contents 2012 Presidential Election Process Nomination Process: 2012.1.3~6.26 National Convention Republican Party 2012.8.28~30 Democratic Party 2012.9.3~6 General Election: 2012.11.6 Electors cast their vote: 2012.12.17 01 Women’s Political Participation in Korea 02 Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature 03 The Impact of Electoral System 04 The Role of Political Parties 05 Conclusion

Women’s Political Participation in Korea The first woman president in Korea - Park, Geun-hye, the candidate of ruling party was elected by President in 2012 presidential election - Two of three candidates of major parties were women

Women’s Political Participation in Korea Assembly The National Assembly: 15.7%(47/300) - 89th of 188 countries (IPU Data, September 2013) The Local Councils Metropolitan Council/ Provincial Assembly: 14.8% District Council: 21.6%

Women’s Political Participation in Korea Government Central Government The Woman President of Republic of Korea Two woman minister(11.8%) Local Government - The Governor or Mayor of Metropolitan Government: 0% - The Mayor of City or Town: 2.6%

Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature Introduction of Gender Quotas Introduction of quota system had been discussed since 1980s Quota is the fastest means of increasing women’s representation Democratization in 1987 was the turning point of women’s participation Introduction of quota system in 2000 - 30% in proportional representation(National assembly + Local Assembly) Trend of quota system - from local election to general election - from proportional representation to district election

Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature Gender Quotas in National Assembly local districts: 30%(since 2004) political parties shall make their efforts to select women candidates proportional representation: 50%(since 2004) no penalties for non-compliance quotas in PR election are usually complied financial incentives for parties which comply gender quotas in local district election

Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature Women elected members in National Assembly  Local Districts PR system Total seats LD PR 2004 10(4.1%) 29(51.8%) 243 56 2008 14(5.7%) 27(50%) 245 54 2012 19(7.7%) 246

Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature Gender Quotas in Local Councils Local Districts: more than 1 woman candidate within the National Assembly member District (since 2010) - 30% quotas in local elections but no penalties from 2002 to 2009 Proportional Representation : 50% - enhance of quotas 30% 50%(since 2002) These quotas are reinforced with penalties for non-compliance

Gender Quotas and Women in Legislature Women elected members in Local Councils  Local Districts PR system Total seats LD PR 2006 province/ metropolitan 32(4.9%) 57(73%) 655 78 city/town 110(4.4%) 327(87%) 2513 375 2010 55(8.1%) 58(72%) 680 81 274(10.9%) 352(94%) 2512 376

The Impact of Electoral System Electoral System Change and the enhance of Women Participation 2004 general election - single-member district + proportional representation (PR by party list system was introduced in 2004) - 50% gender quotas in PR The numbers of women MPs in National Assembly - 16(5.9%) 39(13.0%)

The Impact of Electoral System Numbers of Women MPs in National Assembly

The Role of Political Parties political training and networking - Political parties are the most important instrument to promote women’s political participation - major parties have female assembly member’s network and training program for women political recruitment and candidates selection voluntary gender quotas: most major parties have 30% gender quotas for candidates selection(except ruling party) politics for women

To promote women’s political participation Conclusion To promote women’s political participation Electoral System - increasing of the proportional representation system Gender Quotas - expanding quotas and the enforcement regulations penalties Political Parties - training, networking, recruiting for women

To promote women’s political participation in Korea Conclusion To promote women’s political participation in Korea It is needed to enhance women’s socioeconomic status and gender equality

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