Ahn Cheol-soo Confirms New Party Name as 'Gukminuidang'... Visits Election Commission to Protest

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The new party being promoted by former lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo has finalized its new party name as Gungminuidang (People's Party).

A representative from Ahn's side said in a phone call with Asia Economy on the 14th, "We held a Central Executive Committee meeting this morning and decided through a resolution process," adding, "We protested the Central Election Commission's refusal to approve the party name and submitted the registration for Gungminuidang."

On the same day, Ahn visited the Central Election Commission to protest their refusal to allow the use of the party name Gungmindang, stating, "It only brings a bitter smile. I don't understand what they are afraid of to make such an unreasonable decision," and added, "Isn't this like trying to block a legitimate prosecution investigation and obstructing the birth of a new reform party? The more they do this, the more confident I am that the path we are taking is the right one."

Ahn emphasized, "No matter what obstacles arise, we will overcome them together with the people who desire reform and change."

Earlier, the Election Commission refused to allow the use of the party name because the Gungmindang founded by Ahn was not clearly distinguishable from the Gungmin Saejeongdang (People's New Party).