[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] The People Power Party strongly criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for planning to field candidates in the Seoul and Busan by-elections next April through amendments to the party rules, demanding an answer from President Moon Jae-in, who established the party rules five years ago. At the same time, they focused on creating a primary election atmosphere by holding a citizen verification committee in Seoul and a public hearing in Busan.
Kim Suk-hyang, Chairwoman of the People Power Party Central Women's Committee, stated in a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 30th, "The Democratic Party's decision is not only a disregard and contempt for 22 million female voters but also an insult to all 50 million citizens."
Chairwoman Kim emphasized, "If Representative Lee Nak-yeon sincerely respects and understands the people's hearts, there can never be a shameless decision that shifts all responsibility onto party members through the shallow trick of 'a vote by all party members.' Not nominating a candidate in next year's by-elections is the responsible course of action."
Joo Ho-young, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, also said on the same day, "Even now, stop using the shallow trick of a vote by all party members and honestly come out and say you will not nominate a candidate despite the pain. That is how to save the Democratic Party and uphold the dignity of the Republic of Korea." He added, "The responsibility of the party leadership will be diluted by (the vote by all party members). They are trying to avoid responsibility like this. They repeatedly apologize, but there is nothing to apologize for. Not nominating a candidate is the proper apology."
Sung Il-jong, Emergency Response Committee member of the People Power Party, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the morning of the same day and said, "President Moon included in Article 96, Clause 2 of the party rules (when he was party leader five years ago) that 'when elected officials lose their position due to corruption or serious misconduct, no candidate shall be nominated.' I hope the President would respond to this issue." Earlier, Kim Jong-in, Chairman of the Emergency Response Committee, also criticized, "They said they would not nominate candidates if there were reasons for self-responsibility in the party rules, but they broke their promise."
At the same time, the People Power Party is also focusing on boosting the primary election atmosphere for the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections. A public hearing for Busan citizens will be held in the afternoon. This event was prepared to hear citizens' opinions on the next mayoral candidates, and the primary election preparation committee plans to actively reflect the opinions gathered here in creating the primary election rules. The Seoul citizens' public hearing is expected to be held on the 6th of next month. Additionally, following the public hearings, a citizen verification committee will be established to verify the morality of the Seoul and Busan mayoral candidates, and a citizen evaluation group will be formed during the primary process. The existing primary voting method, which is '50% general public and 50% party members,' is under review to significantly increase the voting weight of the general public. The People Power Party's continuous emphasis on 'citizen participation' appears to align with the party's policy of nominating 'citizen candidates' to secure victory.
The Busan mayoral primary, which already has many candidates, is expected to officially kick off the race with this public hearing as a turning point. Former lawmaker Yoo Ki-joon has already officially declared his candidacy, while former lawmaker Park Min-sik has scheduled a press conference on the 9th of next month. Former lawmakers Lee Jin-bok, Yoo Jae-joong, Lee Un-ju, and Park Hyung-joon are weighing their timing for entry.
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