By-election for Seoul Gangseo District Mayor Scheduled for October 11 Draws Close, Both Ruling and Opposition Parties on Alert
With 13 preliminary candidates including former Democratic Party city councilors Jang Sang-gi and Lee Chang-seop entering the race, the People Power Party's 'quiet stance' draws attention
Amid speculation that the People Power Party may not field a candidate, former Mayor Kim Tae-woo's possible candidacy after the August 15 pardon also attracts interest
The Seoul Gangseo District mayoral election is just over two months away, and the election fever is expected to intensify gradually.
Following the resignation of former Mayor Kim Tae-woo due to a Supreme Court ruling, the by-election for the Seoul Gangseo District mayor has been confirmed for October 11, prompting a swift response from prospective candidates aiming for the mayoral seat.
First, the Democratic Party, known to have a somewhat advantageous local base, reportedly has 13 preliminary candidates entering the race. Among them are former city councilors Jang Sang-gi, Kim Yong-yeon, Lee Chang-seop, and Gyeong Man-seon, who served as district and Seoul city councilors, former Gangseo District Deputy Mayor Moon Hong-seon, and Kwon Oh-jung, former Seoul City Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, who joined the race late despite lacking local ties.
These candidates are said to have a strong determination to become the Gangseo District mayor by competing in the party primary.
Current city councilor Kim Kyung and Gangseo District Council Chairman Choi Dong-cheol initially prepared to run but reportedly withdrew their candidacies due to concerns that their participation would trigger another by-election.
However, the Democratic Party's central committee has yet to decide whether to hold a primary among these candidates or to opt for a strategic nomination. Since this Gangseo District mayoral election is considered an important prelude to next year's general election, the party is reportedly cautious about making a quick decision.
On the other hand, the People Power Party has been deliberating whether to field a candidate, given that former Mayor Kim Tae-woo stepped down mid-term due to the Supreme Court ruling, leading to this by-election. There is speculation that the party may choose not to field a candidate to avoid potential negative impacts on next year's general election if they were to lose.
Meanwhile, some predict that former Mayor Kim Tae-woo may run in the mayoral election after receiving a pardon on August 15, while others expect him to run in next year's general election rather than this by-election, leading to various speculations.
Thus, both the People Power Party and the Democratic Party view the October 11 Gangseo District mayoral election as carrying complex significance, making it noteworthy to see what conclusion will be reached.
The election is a very important democratic process for gauging public sentiment.
However, it is expected that the pool of mayoral candidates will be revealed by early September.
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