Yeo Jo-kyung-tae: "Why listen to external public opinion for party leader election?"... Advocates 100% party member voting

Poll Leader Yoo Seung-min Faces Checks
"Emergency Committee Should Focus Solely on Its Role"
Draws Line on Criticism of Yoon's Party Affairs Intervention

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunji Kwon] Jo Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party and a candidate for the next party leadership, reiterated on the 21st his call for a "100% party member vote" regarding the party leadership election rules, saying, "Why listen to external public opinion when electing the party leader?"

On the same day, Jo said on YTN Radio's "News King with Park Ji-hoon," "Is there any country in the world where public opinion polls are reflected in electing a party leader like in our country? To my knowledge, I cannot think of any," adding, "Since this is not an election for president or metropolitan mayor, it is right that the party members elect the leader."

Jo had also advocated on the 17th to "innovate the party leader election method to a 100% party member vote." This is interpreted as a move to check former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who is currently leading in recent opinion polls. Currently, the party leader election reflects 70% party member votes and 30% general public opinion polls.

Regarding the timing of the party convention, he said, "I expressed the opinion that the sooner, the better, but judging by the recent atmosphere, it seems more likely that the timing of the convention will be delayed," and added, "I predict it will be around March to April."

He also expressed concerns about the strengthening role of the "Jung Jin-seok Emergency Response Committee." Jo said, "I hope the Emergency Response Committee focuses only on its role," and added, "I think it would be appropriate to leave the party audit to the next leadership." However, he showed a positive stance on reorganizing the accident party branches.

Regarding President Yoon Seok-youl's luncheon meeting with non-incumbent party branch chiefs of the People Power Party on the 19th, Jo called it a "natural phenomenon," drawing a line against criticism of interference in party affairs. He emphasized, "I don't think (President Yoon) would interfere so severely in the party, and if a capable person who can balance such aspects is elected as party leader, such suspicions can be dispelled."