People Power Party Officially Collects Candidate Opinions on 'Reverse Selection Prevention Rule'

Communicating Through Official Channels for Pros and Cons
The Opposition Claims "The Election Commission Is Building Justification to Include the Clause"

On the 26th of last month, Jeong Hong-won, Chairman of the Election Commission for the People Power Party's presidential candidate (former Prime Minister), is speaking at the appointment ceremony and the 1st meeting of the Election Commission held at the National Assembly. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The People Power Party's Election Management Committee has decided to officially gather opinions from each candidate regarding the 'reverse selection prevention clause.'

According to the People Power Party on the 1st, the Election Management Committee will listen to the pros and cons of the reverse selection prevention clause through representatives of the presidential candidates in the afternoon. This means they intend to consolidate the voices that the presidential candidates have been expressing separately into an official channel. Those advocating for the inclusion of the new clause warmly welcome the official communication, while the opposing side criticizes, saying, "Isn't the Election Management Committee gathering opinions to create a justification for including the reverse selection prevention clause?"

From former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung's camp, Park Dae-chul, the head of the Strategic Headquarters and a member of the National Assembly, will attend on the side supporting the reverse selection prevention clause. Kim Young-woo, the situation room chief of the same camp, explained, "Previously, even ruling party supporters who were unaware of this (reverse selection) have now come to know and can easily utilize it," adding, "It's not about the candidate's advantage or disadvantage, but the reverse selection prevention clause is necessary for the opposition to achieve a regime change." Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's side stated that "there is no change in the fundamental principle of following the Election Management Committee's decision," but the situation leans toward support. Kwon Seong-dong, a lawmaker classified as pro-Yoon Seok-yeol, appeared on KBS radio that day and said, "Allowing Democratic Party supporters to manipulate the People Power Party primary is itself against justice."

On the other hand, Hong Joon-pyo's camp is strongly opposed, even mentioning the 'primary boycott' card. Yeomyeong, the spokesperson for Hong's camp, said, "There is no change from the existing position." Lee Jong-heon, the head of the planning team, also said, "We are seriously considering many things and are keeping various possibilities open, including a primary boycott." Similarly, Oh Shin-hwan, the general situation room chief of former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min's camp, who also opposes the clause, warned, "Adopting the clause means breaking the primary process and will ultimately lead to a breakdown."