Democratic Party Considers 'Single Leadership System'... Pro-Myeong Faction Expected to Gain Influence

Weight of Single Leadership System within Jeon Jun-wi
Reelection and Pro-Moon Faction Opposition... Supplementary Discussions to Follow

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The Democratic Party of Korea is reportedly discussing a plan to form the next leadership team as a ‘single leadership system’ at the party convention scheduled for August 28. With Representative Lee Jae-myung’s candidacy for party leader becoming likely, electing the leadership under a single leadership system is expected to strengthen the voice of the pro-Lee (pro-Lee Jae-myung) faction.

On the 28th, Ahn Kyu-baek, Chair of the Democratic Party Convention Preparation Committee, said in a phone interview, "Although no decision has been made yet, the single collective leadership system is prevailing within the preparation committee." The single leadership system concentrates authority in the party leader and is advocated by Lee Jae-myung’s faction. Considering that demands for a collective leadership system are currently coming from the pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) faction and second-term lawmakers, the direction of the preparation committee’s discussions can be seen as favoring the pro-Lee faction.

The preparation committee’s firm stance on the single leadership system is based on the need for strong leadership now that the Democratic Party is in opposition. A committee official said, "There were past experiences of failure with a collective leadership system, and some opinions suggested there is little reason or justification to switch to a collective leadership system now," adding, "The atmosphere leans more toward a single leadership system than a collective one." The official also noted, "There is talk of a compromise plan, but ultimately, a choice must be made."

If the preparation committee decides on a collective leadership system, the voice of the pro-Lee faction is expected to grow even stronger. Earlier, on the 18th, Representative Lee stated, "The owners of the party are the party members, and the owners of the country are the people," emphasizing that "‘Party positions belong to party members, and public offices belong to the people’ is a fundamental principle."

However, since there is considerable opposition to the single leadership system from first-term lawmakers and the pro-Moon faction, discussions on possible improvements are expected. On the same day, Chair Ahn suggested on the radio, "This issue (single leadership system) could raise questions about how to guarantee the decision-making participation rights of the Supreme Council members," adding, "The skill of operation depends on how it is managed," indicating the possibility of adjustments. The preparation committee plans to finalize the decision on the party convention’s election rules by August 3 at the latest.

Representative Lee Jae-myung has entered the final stage of his candidacy preparations by contacting party lawmakers. Last week, he attended a party workshop and engaged in discussions with lawmakers, and the day before, he reportedly sought opinions on his candidacy during a private luncheon meeting with senior party advisors including Kwon No-gap, Kim Won-ki, Im Chae-jung, Jung Dae-chul, and Moon Hee-sang.