[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-young] The argument that the city and provincial superintendent of education elections held during the 9th concurrent local elections on the 3rd are pointless has been confirmed by the numbers. This is because the number of people who cast invalid ballots nationwide approached 1.09 million.

According to the National Election Commission on the 7th, there were 1,088,403 invalid votes in this education superintendent election, accounting for 4% of the total votes cast. This figure is 2.5 times higher than the number of invalid votes in the city and provincial governor elections (434,300). Votes are counted as invalid if no candidate is selected or if multiple candidates are selected.

The direct election system for superintendents was introduced in 2007 and marks its 20th year this year, yet it faces recurring “black box” controversies every year. Voters cast invalid ballots because they are unfamiliar with the candidates and their platforms, and since there are no party names or symbols on the ballot.

Superintendent elections block political party intervention to ensure educational neutrality. However, candidates strive to become the “unified candidate” for their respective camps. This is because highlighting their status as the unified candidate for the progressive or conservative side is more effective for winning votes than presenting educational pledges.

The requirement for candidates to fund their own campaigns is also cited as a problem. While candidates who secure more than 15% of the vote receive full reimbursement of their campaign expenses, those who fall short must cover the costs themselves. This is why some candidates end up in debt after being indicted on corruption charges during the campaign or losing the election.

Neither the original goal of the direct election system—ensuring the neutrality of education—nor the establishment of clean elections has been achieved. Candidates reveal their political affiliations through the colors of their campaign attire. As many as 11 superintendents have been convicted of charges such as bribery following their elections. It is time to reform the superintendent election system.

Some in the education sector are even calling for a return to the presidential appointment system that was in place before the direct election system was introduced. However, this proposal is unlikely to overcome criticism that it “undermines educational autonomy.”

As a second-best option, I hope the introduction of a “running mate system” will be brought into the public discourse. Under this system, candidates for metropolitan mayor run alongside candidates for superintendent of education to seek voters’ support, so it cannot be viewed as undermining educational autonomy. On the contrary, it could help prevent conflicts that might arise if the political leanings of the mayor and the superintendent differ.