In Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, 'Honam Family Feud'
Voting Encouragement, Press Conference, Support Campaigns
Central Party Also Strengthens Efforts
On the eve of the 10·16 by-election, a fierce three-way race is underway in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, between the Democratic Party of Korea, the Joguk Innovation Party, and the Progressive Party. This election is a by-election held after the incumbent Yeonggwang-gun mayor, who was elected as an independent, was disqualified due to a violation of the Public Official Election Act. The candidates running are Jang Se-il from the Democratic Party of Korea, Jang Hyun from the Joguk Innovation Party, Lee Seok-ha from the Progressive Party, and independent candidate Oh Gi-won.
As the election heats up, support from the central party level is also intensifying. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, encouraged voter participation through Facebook. He said, "This election is not just about choosing one mayor for Yeonggwang and Gokseong counties in Jeollanam-do, one district chief for Geumjeong-gu in Busan, or one mayor for Ganghwa-gun in Incheon," adding, "It is a golden opportunity to remind the regime that defies public sentiment how formidable the people's will is." He also appealed, "Today, I am fulfilling my duty to appear in court as a citizen," and "Please take on the role of opposition leader that I cannot fully perform."
Hwang Un-ha, floor leader of the Joguk Innovation Party, held a press briefing at the National Assembly. He emphasized, "Yesterday, I campaigned in Yeonggwang-gun, getting drenched in the rain on my way home," and "After this press briefing, I will head back down to Yeonggwang-gun." He also made remarks to check the Democratic Party, which is considered the 'big brother' of the progressive camp. He stated, "There is a sense of rejection toward the Democratic Party in Yeonggwang-gun," and "I cannot go into detail, but there are about ten reasons. Some of those voters are going to the Joguk Innovation Party." Furthermore, he said, "Monopoly tends to lead to incompetence and corruption. Competition promotes mutual development."
The Progressive Party announced that Kim Jae-yeon, the standing representative, Yoon Jong-oh, the floor leader, and Jeon Jong-deok, a member of the National Assembly, have jointly engaged in election campaigning in Yeonggwang-gun. They are continuing an 'all-out effort' to compete against the highly recognized Democratic Party and Joguk Innovation Party. On this day, Progressive Party candidate Lee Seok-ha appealed, "I am the only escape route from the two parties with unqualified candidates," asking for support.
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