The electoral map for the April 13 general election was finalized Sunday, just 45 days before voters go to the polls. The electoral redistricting committee, a sub-committee of the National Election Commission (NEC), delivered the final draft that set the constituency boundaries for the upcoming election to the National Assembly. The leaders of the rival parties agreed last week to pass the bill today. Completion of the process drew additional attention because it could lead to bipartisan negotiations on the contentious anti-terrorist bill, and possibly ending the opposition’s marathon filibuster.
“Just about 40 days ahead of the polls, it was difficult not to consider the confusion drastic changes in constituency boundaries could cause among candidates and voters,” a committee official said. “With little given time, we could hardly touch upon the existing constituencies that were unreasonably divided.”
The committee said that 16 constituencies were divided and nine merged into other electoral districts. On the new electoral boundaries map, Seoul has gained one more parliamentary seat and the increasingly populous Gyeonggi Province has eight more lots. Incheon and two other regional cities each have one additional seat.
The number of electoral constituencies will increase from 246 to 253, while the number of lawmakers selected through proportional representation will be decreased from 54 to 47 in order to maintain the 300-seat National Assembly.
Full Article: New electoral boundaries finalized.
