Reform New Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok hinted at a challenge in next year's presidential election following the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, while voices within the party are growing louder, calling for the leadership to swiftly transition to a campaign committee (Central Election Countermeasures Committee) system. The explanation is that a full-scale organizational overhaul centered on the campaign committee is necessary to actively establish a new political landscape in the conservative camp.
On the morning of the 26th, Lee appeared on BBS Radio and said, "I believe that rational voters in the Republic of Korea are prepared as voters to break through the two-party system," adding, "This presidential election will be a good opportunity for me." He placed emphasis on the possibility of running in an early presidential election next year and challenging as a third party rather than the People Power Party.
As Representative Lee publicly mentioned his presidential bid, the opinion that the party's organizational restructuring should accelerate has gained more weight. It is argued that an early campaign committee should be activated to systematically prepare for Lee's presidential challenge. This is also deeply related to the current conflicts within the leadership centered around Representative Heo Eun-ah.
Within the Reform New Party officials, veto opinions against Representative Heo are predominant. A key party official said, "The core of the conflict among the leadership started from doubts about whether the presidential election can be prepared under Heo's leadership," adding, "The conflicts between Representative Heo and party officials over party management have now erupted."
Within the party, it is emphasized that the internal strife surrounding Representative Heo should not last long. Another party official said, "What is important now is not to assign blame," adding, "The conflict should be resolved and reconciled early, and focus should be placed on preparing for the rapidly changing political situation after the impeachment."
Currently, the Reform New Party is continuing discussions between Representative Heo and the leadership to resolve internal conflicts. If an early campaign committee is established under Heo's leadership, there is a prospect that the leadership could be newly formed centered on the pro-Lee Jun-seok faction. There are concerns that internal conflicts could escalate into a party split. It is reported that some within the party are expressing opinions about forming an alliance or unifying candidates with the People Power Party ahead of the presidential election.
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