Democratic Party's Kim Jong-min: "Maskless 'Normal Election', Neglect of Duty if Avoided"

./Yoon Dongju reporter doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Kim Jong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized the call to postpone the presidential primary election, saying, "'A normal election without masks' is the principle. If it is possible but avoided, it is neglect of duty." The Democratic Party plans to hold a party meeting on the 22nd to discuss this matter. Kim, who served as the Blue House spokesperson during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, is a pro-Moon Jae-in faction member and has served as the party’s senior supreme council member.

On the 21st, Kim wrote on Facebook, "The ‘substantial reason’ I most agree with is ‘a normal election without masks.’ If the primary is held as planned in September, even if social distancing levels are adjusted, a masked election cannot be avoided. A non-face-to-face primary with restricted gatherings must be held. If the primary is in November or December, it may be possible to hold the primary with no masks and free gatherings," he said.

He added, "According to the quarantine authorities’ plan, 70% of the population will complete the first dose of vaccination by the end of September. From October, herd immunity can be anticipated. If this goes as expected, we can hold a ‘normal election’ rather than a ‘COVID election.’ In that case, it is only natural to adjust the schedule," he emphasized.

He viewed this as a matter of principle rather than convenience. Kim said, "Through dynamic communication, naturally better decisions are made. How freely and diversely communication is conducted?the democracy of such election campaigns?determines the quality of the election. Online communication that only exchanges messages is supplementary, not essential communication," he stated.

He continued, "Thanks to the achievements of K-quarantine and K-vaccine, herd immunity is expected soon, and the possibility of mask-free, free elections is opening. Ignoring this as if it is nothing goes against the principle," he argued.

He further said, "If we ignore the possibility of a ‘normal election,’ we are abandoning the fundamental principles of democratic elections." He concluded his post with the question, "The Democratic Party holds a quiet primary with masks in August, while the People Power Party holds a nationwide free primary without masks with tens or thousands of people gathering in December. Can this difference be insignificant?"