100% Mobile Poll Conducted Asking About Competitiveness of Unification with Geum Tae-seop
Opposition-Led Political Realignment "Premature to Expect Noise Over Candidate Unification"
Hong Jun-pyo Believes He Has a Chance Only If He Defeats the Pan-Opposition
Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Ahn Cheol-soo, the preliminary candidate of the People’s Party running for the Seoul mayoral by-election, responded "No" when asked if he felt any resentment toward Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party.
On the 24th, in a phone interview with MBC Radio’s Kim Jong-bae’s Focus, Ahn said, "Since he is responsible for the main opposition party, it is natural that he prioritizes the organization for which he is responsible," adding, "I think he must have had some deeper intention when he said that."
Regarding Hong Joon-pyo, an independent lawmaker, Ahn said, "I think he believes that the broader opposition must win for him to have a chance," and added, "That applies to all opposition parties."
Earlier, it was reported that Ahn had agreed with candidate Geum Tae-seop to unify through a 100% mobile poll to determine competitiveness. Ahn is scheduled to have a YouTube debate with Geum on the 25th. The unification with the People Power Party candidate is also expected to proceed in a similar manner.
Ahn said, "The purpose of selecting a unified opposition candidate is to win the election, so I think it is appropriate to survey competitiveness," and added, "It is right to focus on who can defeat the ruling party candidate."
He stated that discussions about opposition-led political realignment after the Seoul mayoral election are premature and drew a line regarding a merger with the People Power Party.
Ahn said, "I don’t understand why political realignment is being discussed," and added, "It is not easy to figure out how to create a unified candidate." He also emphasized, "Even if a unified candidate is selected, if there is friction during the process and some supporters from either side drop out, it will be difficult to win the election," and stressed, "Talking about political realignment as if the election is already won is not viewed favorably by the public."
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