[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Democratic Party lawmakers from Gyeonggi Province are expressing opposition to the postponement of the presidential candidate primary scheduled for the 22nd ahead of the Democratic Party’s general assembly.
Rep. Lee Gyu-min (Anseong) shared on Facebook on the 21st a post titled "Do not abandon principles and justification. Losing trust means losing everything," stating, "Some within the Democratic Party argue that postponing the primary is inevitable to boost turnout and defend against indiscriminate candidate attacks," conveying the recent atmosphere within the party.
However, he said, "I see such claims as outdated political tactics, excessive defeatism, and a dangerous idea that could even cause party division," adding, "At this critical time when we should be focusing on overcoming COVID-19 and restoring people’s livelihoods, it is embarrassing that the Democratic Party seems to be disappointing the public over the issue of postponing the primary."
He continued, "Even young students don’t ask to postpone exams just because they haven’t studied, so how can those who intend to run a country say they are unprepared and want to delay until they can win?" He then criticized, "They keep shouting fairness but are themselves engaging in unfair behavior."
Furthermore, he said, "Continuing the debate over postponing the primary in front of the people who have sent a warning to the Democratic Party to produce results in livelihood reforms is truly shameful," urging, "I request the party leadership to promptly decide to proceed with the primary schedule as planned."
Rep. Kim Byung-wook (Bundang-eul) also stated on Facebook on the 20th, "We must practice politics that keeps promises to the people," pointing out, "Last August, the rule to select the presidential candidate 180 days in advance was agreed upon at the party delegate conference, and reversing this less than a year later breaks promises to party members and the public."
He added, "I worry about how the public will view the party’s act of flipping the party constitution as easily as turning over one’s hand," advising, "We must not forget how deeply disappointed the public was when the party broke its promise not to nominate candidates in the April 7 by-elections."
He also expressed, "I sincerely hope our party will uphold the party constitution and keep promises made to the people."
Rep. Cho Eung-cheon (Namyangju-gap) wrote on the 19th, "We must uphold principles especially in difficult times," emphasizing, "In tough times, we must keep principles. There is no other way but to follow the greater good rather than chasing immediate benefits."
He continued, "Let’s have fierce debates within the set primary schedule and principles," suggesting, "Not only candidates but also lawmakers not involved in campaigns and party members should openly and vigorously discuss party reform plans, real estate policies, welfare policies, and foreign and security policies."
Meanwhile, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, visited the Kim Dae-jung statue in Samhyang-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do on the 21st to lay flowers, stating, "They must have their own sense of loyalty, so if opinions are expressed at the general assembly on the 22nd, we will carefully collect them to prevent conflicts from escalating."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
