[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party's Nomination Management Committee has decided to individually notify the members who fall within the bottom 20% in the incumbent lawmaker evaluation.
On the 21st, Lee Geun-hyung, head of the Democratic Party's Strategic Planning Committee, told reporters after the Nomination Committee meeting held at the central party office in Yeouido, "It was decided that the Nomination Committee Chairperson will notify those in the bottom 20% individually on the 28th," adding, "Once notified, they can file an objection within 48 hours."
Regarding the notification method, he said, "Since there are more than 20 people, it seems physically difficult to meet each individually," and added, "It also doesn't seem appropriate to notify them in writing, so it is expected that the notification will be made by phone call."
On the reason for setting the notification date as the 28th, he said, "There were concerns that notifying right before the Lunar New Year holiday might be a bit harsh, so it was decided to notify the day after the holiday ends."
Earlier, the party's Elected Officials Evaluation Committee conducted a mid-term evaluation (45%) and a final evaluation (55%) on the legislative and regional activities of incumbent lawmakers. As a result of the combined evaluation, lawmakers in the bottom 20% will receive a disadvantage (20% deduction) during the primary election.
Initially, there was deep deliberation within the Democratic Party over whether to disclose the list of the bottom 20%. The argument for disclosure was that inaccurate information could cause confusion in the primaries, while the opposition feared unrest such as defections or backlash, leading to a stalemate.
Ultimately, with the Nomination Committee's decision on this day, the list will remain undisclosed for now, but concerns about party division still persist. Currently, this list is effectively regarded as a 'death note' within the party. A Democratic Party lawmaker said, "If you face young or female candidates who receive a 25% bonus in the primary while carrying a 20% deduction, it is almost impossible to overturn the outcome," adding, "It basically means they are being told to give up running."
Another Democratic Party lawmaker's office official expressed concern, saying, "The more senior the lawmaker, the stronger the backlash against the results will be," and added, "Since they have established a base in their constituencies, if they are not nominated, they might run as independents to try to re-enter the National Assembly."
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