An "Presidential Office Election Interference, a Fundamental Undermining of Party Democracy" Criticism
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] On the 5th, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party running for party leader in the March 8 party convention, said, "We are all wallowing in a mudslinging battle of criticism and slander," and requested the Election Commission and the Emergency Response Committee to provide an opportunity to hold a 'Fair Election, Clean Election' agreement ceremony.
On the same day, Ahn posted on his Facebook, "The Emergency Response Committee and the Election Commission should take strong measures to prevent articles claiming that there is or isn't presidential favor (Yoonshim) toward a specific candidate through anonymous sources from high-ranking officials in the Presidential Office, so that the exhausting debate over Yoonshim does not continue," adding, "What is happening now is a grave issue that undermines the foundation of party democracy, as it constitutes election interference by the Presidential Office."
Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, is holding a press conference related to the party convention at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
He continued, "The Election Commission should provide an opportunity to hold a Fair Election, Clean Election agreement ceremony to ensure that no candidate's campaign spreads unverified suspicions or doubts to slander opposing candidates."
He also urged proper management regarding incumbent lawmakers and party district chairpersons expressing support or opposition to specific candidates. Ahn requested, "The Election Commission should take strong measures, such as filing complaints with the party ethics committee, against lawmakers and district chairpersons who violate this regulation (Party Rule Article 34)."
However, the party leadership showed a somewhat reserved stance toward Ahn's position. After attending a memorial ceremony for the 100th day since the Itaewon tragedy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Chung Jin-seok, Chairman of the People Power Party Emergency Response Committee, told reporters, "While there are restrictions preventing lawmakers or district chairpersons from participating in campaigns and working, it does not mean that all politicians should be silenced," adding, "I think it is necessary to distinguish whether they are participating in campaigns based on party rules or simply expressing their political views."
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