The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to postpone the on-site voting for party leader and Supreme Council member elections, originally scheduled for July 26-27 for the Honam and Gyeonggi-Incheon regions, to August 2.
After a closed Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 20th, Park Sanghyuk, Deputy Floor Leader for Communication, told reporters, "The on-site voting for the Honam and Gyeonggi-Incheon regions, which was scheduled for July 26-27, will be consolidated and held on August 2." He added, "Just now, acting party leader and floor leader Kim Byungki consulted with both candidates after the Supreme Council reached this decision." The schedule will be finalized through a resolution by the Party Convention Preparatory Committee.
The Democratic Party made this decision due to severe damage caused by heavy rain. Park explained, "Many people across the country have suffered and lost their lives due to the torrential rain," and added, "There have been many calls from party members and the public to adjust the party convention schedule because of this."
Earlier, lawmakers Jung Chungrae and Park Chandae, both running for party leader, had also discussed with the Central Party Election Commission whether it was appropriate to proceed with the regional primaries amid the heavy rain situation.
With the original on-site voting for the Honam region on the 26th and for the Gyeonggi-Incheon region on the 27th postponed to August 2, when the Seoul, Gangwon, and Jeju on-site voting is also scheduled, it appears that all remaining regional on-site voting will now be held simultaneously. However, Park noted, "Specific procedures such as debates will be finalized through the Party Convention Preparatory Committee on the 21st."
Meanwhile, regarding President Lee's withdrawal of the nomination of Lee Jinsook as Minister of Education on this day, Park stated, "We respect President Lee's personnel authority, which was exercised based on the opinions gathered during the National Assembly confirmation hearing process."
He continued, "The Supreme Council agreed that the People Power Party should cooperate with the National Assembly procedures, including confirmation hearings and adoption of progress reports for the remaining ministers, not to obstruct state affairs but to help the country overcome the current crisis." He added, "Acting party leader Kim also called Song Eonseok, acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, to request such cooperation."
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