The Korea Local Administration Review

This study explores the determinants of electoral success of female candidates in municipal council election. The major research question is which one is more important in electoral success, electoral institution or candidates’ characteristics? The 2014 municipal council election data was employed for a logistic regression analysis. In the research model the dependent variable was the electoral success. For independent variables district magnitude, regionalism, and ballot position were employed as institutional factors and political career, education, age, and incumbency advantage as candidate factors. The characteristics of electoral districts and voters were employed as control variables. The findings are as follows: (1) In general the institutional factors had more influence on the electoral success of female candidates. (2) Among the institutional factors the district magnitude and ballot position were statistically significant. (3) Among the candidate factors only education had influence on the female candidates’ electoral success. (4) There was difference in the factors which had influence on the electoral success between male and female candidates.

Keywords: Council Election, Female Candidate, Ballot Position Effect, District Magnitude, Electoral Institution