[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party candidate for Seoul mayor, predicted that the government would engage in blatant election interference ahead of the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election. He also mentioned the possibility that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Korea could be used for election purposes.
On the 7th, Ahn appeared on MBN’s Current Affairs Special and identified the unification of opposition candidates and “blatant election interference by the government” as key variables determining the outcome of the Seoul mayoral election.
He said, “What is expected includes a ‘vaccine inoculation show’ and the distribution of an enormous amount of disaster relief funds at the end of March,” adding, “This is just one week before the election.” Ahn pointed out, “Anyone can see that this is clearly election interference.”
He also mentioned the possibility that President Xi’s visit could be used for election purposes. Ahn said, “I think they might stage a ‘Xi Jinping visit show.’”
Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl’s potential political activities, Ahn said, “Opposition supporters are united in their hopes,” and added, “I don’t know whether he will enter politics or not, but in any case, I hope he will be a great help in regime change.”
About Yoon’s political moves, he said, “Rather than rushing into politics, I think it would be good if he carefully examines the overall state affairs, considers how to fix the problems, and diligently prepares a vision for the future of the Republic of Korea that he wants to create.”
Looking ahead to the presidential election, he said, “As far as I know, there has hardly ever been a case where a president was elected based on approval ratings one year before the election,” and predicted, “The Seoul mayoral by-election result will have the greatest impact on the presidential election. Depending on the outcome, the opposition may become more dynamic, or the ruling party may become more active in seeking various alternatives. It all depends on the election result.”
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