[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The People Power Party has decided to implement a qualification test for incumbent members of the National Assembly who wish to receive nominations for the next election.
Choi Jae-hyung, the party's Innovation Committee Chairman, stated at a briefing after the full meeting at the National Assembly on the 26th, "We have decided to expand the introduction of the Basic Qualification Evaluation for Public Office Candidates," adding, "We will conduct qualification screenings for all National Assembly members, metropolitan and basic local government heads, and metropolitan and basic local council members."
This expands the scope of the test, which was previously administered to candidates running for metropolitan and basic council positions in the June 1 local elections, to include National Assembly members. Specific details such as qualification criteria for each category will be discussed by a separate organization responsible for the test.
The Innovation Committee has changed the official name of the qualification test from the existing 'PPAT (People Power Aptitude Test)' to 'Basic Qualification Evaluation for Public Office Candidates.' When asked if this was an attempt to distance themselves from former party leader Lee Jun-seok, who introduced the system, Chairman Choi explained, "It is to more clearly express the purpose of the system and help with understanding."
Additionally, the 'Second Innovation Proposal' includes strengthening the disqualification criteria when recommending public office candidates. Individuals who have been sentenced to probation or higher regardless of the crime, or those who have received a probation or higher sentence in a lower court at the time of nomination application, will be excluded from nomination.
For crimes including stalking, sexual offenses, crimes related to children and adolescents, and drunk driving, even a fine sentence will result in exclusion from nomination.
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