By Kim Hyo-jin
North Korea-related issues are likely to affect voter sentiment ahead of the April 13 general elections as inter-Korean tensions are expected to rise.
In the wake of North Korea’s rocket launch, widely viewed as a ballistic missile test following its fourth nuclear test, the ruling Saenuri Party has called for increased military readiness, tougher sanctions against the North and even nuclear armament of the South.
As its hawkish stance gains traction, the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) appears to be losing weight in its longstanding support of inter-Korean exchanges and reconciliation. The party is taking a cautious stance on its North Korea policy while trying to divert election focus to economic issues.
A poll conducted by the JoongAng Ilbo showed Monday that 61.1 percent of 1,000 respondents said “security issues” will have an influence on their choice in the election. Of all, those who said the impact will be “very strong” stood at 13 percent while 48.1 percent answered it will be “to some extent.”
The conservative Saenuri Party continued stressing the need to increase the country’s military capacity on Monday, fanning uneasiness about security on the peninsula.
“We need to achieve a high level of security readiness in preparation for the North’s further provocations,” said party chairman Rep. Kim Moo-sung during a party meeting. “All means should be sought to deal a serious blow to the repressive country politically and economically.”
Rep. Won Yoo-chul, the party’s floor leader, claimed the government should consider nuclear armament or deploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to boost the country’s self defense. “It is urgent to have a proper shield in the face of a security crisis,” he said during a parliamentary speech.
The ruling party’s voice is expected to gain further momentum with President Park Geun-hye’s planned speech in the National Assembly today. Park will underline the status of the “security crisis” in the wake of the North’s provocations and the need for national unity and bipartisan cooperation, said an official at Cheong Wa Dae.
Meanwhile, MPK interim leader Kim Jong-in took a cautious approach, warning party members to be careful of earning a pro-North Korean image ahead of the election. “Be careful not to be embroiled in the ruling party’s strategy,” a party official said quoting Kim.
Kim also said, “We shouldn’t just oppose the shutdown of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, but give the government the time to explain and try to seek agreement together.”
Commentators expect security issues could become a “black hole” in the 2016 parliamentary race as talks on the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the country and the shutdown of the inter-Korean industrial park are taking time.
“Parties are required to maneuver election strategy wisely when it links to North Korea issues,” said Choi Chang-ryol, a professor at Yongin University.
Choi cited that security concerns have not always worked to the ruling party’s favor since democratization. The opposition party won a victory in local elections after the sinking of the Cheonan on March 2010, which was believed to be done by North Korea as the public feared the possibility of war, he said. “If the ruling party pushes for fearmongering too intensely, it could face backlash.”