Jo Kyung-tae "Nomination, 100% Open Primary"... Declaration for Party Leader Candidacy

Declaration of Candidacy and Launch Ceremony at the National Assembly on the 16th
"Political Reform, Nomination Revolution for General Election Victory"
Promises to Abolish Proportional Representation, Immunity from Arrest, and Party Funding

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] On the 16th, Jo Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party, declared his candidacy for the party leader position at the '3·8 Party Convention,' promising a '100% open primary nomination.'

At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the same day, Jo said, "Today, I intend to run for the People Power Party leader to ensure the success of the new Yoon Seok-yeol administration and victory in the 2024 general election. If given the opportunity, armed with the experience of five terms and youthful drive, I will make our party a symbol of success in the Republic of Korea," throwing down the gauntlet.

Rep. Cho Kyung-tae of the People Power Party holds a press conference at the National Assembly on the 16th to announce his candidacy for party leader. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The most emphasized point in his declaration was 'political reform.' He stated, "The party leader to be elected this time needs to have 'reform and unifying leadership' capable of leading the Yoon Seok-yeol government to success and achieving a landslide victory in the 22nd general election," adding, "The moment we become complacent thinking 'we created the administration, we won the local elections,' public sentiment will coldly turn its back."

Jo viewed 'nomination reform' as necessary to secure victory in the general election and to prevent ongoing conflicts within the party related to the recent party convention. He emphasized, "The next party leader must relinquish vested interests in nominations," and said, "If I become party leader, I will return the nomination rights to the people and party members for the first time in constitutional history. Through the cleanest 100% open primary nomination in Korean political history, I will achieve a nomination revolution."

He continued, "The biggest reason for the ongoing internal conflicts is ultimately the nomination for next year's general election," and added, "I believe other party leader candidates must clearly answer how they will innovate the nomination system for next year's general election."

Furthermore, Jo advocated for the 'three abolitions reform,' which includes abolishing the proportional representation system, parliamentary immunity, and party state subsidies. He said, "To become a party solely for the nation and the people, we must slim down the central party and boldly abolish party state subsidies," and added, "If I become party leader, I will transform the three abolitions reform movement into a nationwide campaign and devote myself wholeheartedly to political reform together with the people."

Regarding the heated debate over former lawmaker Na Kyung-won's potential candidacy, he said, "(The current situation) is quite worrisome," and emphasized, "Our party must be reborn as a party where freedom and democracy are guaranteed."

After holding a press conference and kickoff event at the National Assembly on the same day, Jo plans to hold separate candidacy press conferences in Daegu on the 17th and in Busan on the 18th.