Ahead of the Democratic Party's leadership election rules, opposition to the 'Unified Collective Leadership System' erupts mainly among pro-Myeong factions

"Lower Delegate Ratio and Increase Party Member and Public Opinion Reflection Ratio" Also Demanded

Reporter Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Some members of the Democratic Party of Korea voiced opposition to the movement toward a single collective leadership for the next leadership team. They also expressed the view that the influence of delegates on the overall vote should be reduced, and the voices of general party members and the public should be amplified.

On the 1st, lawmakers Kang Min-jung, Kim Nam-guk, Kim Byung-gi, Han Jun-ho, and others spoke out at a press conference regarding the party constitution amendment being discussed by the Party Convention Preparation Committee (hereafter, the Preparation Committee).

They stated, "This is a process to elect a leadership that enables the Democratic Party to check the Yoon Seok-yeol government and ruling party, and to become a competent and humble people's party that solves pressing livelihood issues, as well as a responsible opposition party working with the people," adding, "There needs to be discussion on an election method that can reflect the will of the public and party members."

Regarding this, they said, "First, the issue of vote equivalence between party members with voting rights and delegates must be discussed," and argued, "The proportion of delegates should be lowered, and the weight of party members with voting rights and public opinion polls should be increased to reaffirm in the election process that the owners of the Democratic Party are the party comrades and the people."

Furthermore, concerning leadership, they said, "According to some media reports, the Preparation Committee is discussing strengthening the authority of the Supreme Council members while weakening the power of the party leader," and added, "At this moment, the Democratic Party requires strong leadership to lead reform and innovation. Attempting to tie the hands and feet of the party leader and leaving only the name could be seen as focusing solely on vested interests and the pros and cons of nominations within the party. This would only bring disappointment to party comrades and the public."

Meanwhile, they expressed caution against interpreting this press conference as a move by the pro-Myeong (pro-Lee Jae-myung) faction. In response to reporters' remarks that many pro-Myeong lawmakers participated, Lawmaker Kang said, "I was not involved in any campaign related to the presidential or local elections," and added, "This is the result of organizing what the Democratic Party most needs at this point."

Although they did not participate in the press conference, lawmakers Kim Seung-won, Kim Yong-min, Moon Jin-seok, Park Chan-dae, Yang Yi-won-young, Lee Soo-jin (Dongjak), Jang Kyung-tae, Jung Sung-ho, Choi Kang-wook, and Hwang Un-ha also signed the press release.