Assemblyman Jeong Jae-ho Opposes Cutoff Decision... "Discrimination Against Disabled People"
[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Jeong Jae-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who was 'cut off (excluded from nomination),' has filed for a reconsideration. Jeong stated that he was excluded from the nomination due to illnesses and disabilities acquired during his legislative activities, explaining the reason for his reconsideration request. This is the first time an incumbent lawmaker who was cut off has filed for reconsideration.
On the afternoon of the 19th, Jeong posted on his Facebook, "If I had not ranked first in the suitability survey or the constituency inspection, I would have withdrawn myself," adding, "This is a clear discrimination against people with disabilities." Jeong suffered a hemorrhagic stroke caused by overwork in the National Assembly in August 2018, resulting in left-side paralysis and is currently recovering.
Jeong also claimed that he was asked questions during the nomination interview that belittled people with disabilities. He criticized, "(The party) cunningly pretended to support me while blocking my candidacy and suppressing my political activities because I acquired a disability while working for the party." He said, "At first, the questions started with 'What if it recurs?' and 'You have difficulties with your arms and legs; can you campaign?' Then, there was even a logic about how other party candidates would attack if a disabled person was nominated, which is absurd."
Jeong emphasized, "The question 'Can you campaign?' is the kind of question only an old-fashioned person would ask, and those who say such things should step away from elections as soon as possible to help the party." He added, "Above all, the fact that such remarks come from within our party shows a very poor perception of people with disabilities, and since such a person is close to Representative Lee Hae-chan, this is a serious problem."
Jeong highlighted, "I have built a considerable organization over the past four years," and "Three new towns in our constituency began to be inhabited a year ago, and through continuous communication, an unparalleled domain that no one can approach has been established."
He continued, "According to the principle of system nomination, nominations should be made based on suitability surveys and objective figures, whether through primaries or direct nominations," and stressed, "I object to the party's decision that violates the party's pledge and constitution to create a society where no difference leads to discrimination, and I am applying for reconsideration."
A staff member from Jeong Jae-ho's office said, "The reconsideration request has been filed," and added, "We need to review the schedule related to the reconsideration later."
Earlier, the Democratic Party's nomination committee announced that after reviewing 44 districts, the incumbent Jeong's constituency, Goyang-eul in Gyeonggi Province, was classified as a strategic district. Shin, another lawmaker, upon confirmation of being cut off, stated, "Although it is a decision difficult to accept, I thought it was not a matter to practically challenge the party's decision," and expressed that he would not file for reconsideration.
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