Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung is greeting citizens at the 'Alley by Alley Listening Tour' held on the 5th at Yangpyeong Mulmalgeun Market in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, expressed his view on May 5 regarding his party's request to the judiciary to postpone the schedule of his retrial until after the presidential election, stating that "fair opportunities for election campaigning must be guaranteed."
After completing his 'Listening Tour' schedule in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, that afternoon, Lee spoke with reporters. When asked about Yun Hojoong, the head of the election campaign committee, demanding that the retrial hearings be postponed until after the presidential election, Lee cited 'Article 116 of the Constitution' as the basis for his response.
Article 116 of the Constitution stipulates that "election campaigns shall be conducted under the management of election commissions at each level within the scope prescribed by law, and equal opportunities must be guaranteed." Lee argues that, ultimately, his opportunities to meet voters during the campaign period should not be reduced compared to other candidates due to attending court hearings.
Lee said, "It would be good for us to reflect on what we call the spirit of the Constitution," and added, "Selecting someone to represent the sovereignty of the people under the grand principle of democracy in the Republic of Korea is a matter of national importance, beyond personal interests, so I believe we need to give serious consideration to the Constitution."
When asked whether he saw any problem with the party considering the impeachment of Supreme Court justices after the Supreme Court's remand decision in his case, Lee replied, "Overcoming the state of insurrection and restoring the democratic republic is the most urgent task for the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "I believe the party will take the necessary measures in line with the public's expectations to overcome this insurrection," and explained, "As you know, I am the candidate, and my job is to travel across the country and persuade the people, so I will respect the party's judgment regarding party affairs."
This is interpreted as a statement that he will support the Democratic Party's decision if it decides on the issue of judicial impeachment.
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