Na Kyung-won: "Party Sentiment Is Public Sentiment... 70% Party Member Vote Remains My Firm Belief"

Primary Rule Discussions to Conclude Next Week
Signals Commitment to Expanding Party Member Influence

Na Kyung-won, a lawmaker and chairperson of the People Power Party's Local Election General Planning Team, has indicated that she will adhere to the proposal to raise the party member voting reflection rate to 70% for next year's local election nominations.

On December 19, Na stated on social media, "My unwavering belief is that the party member voting rate should be raised to at least 70% for this local election nomination process."

She added, "There have been strong protests from party members who say they will not stand by if the party member voting rate is not expanded to at least 70%. Despite enduring all kinds of difficulties and supporting the party in the background, they feel neglected right before the most important election, and it's understandable why they feel this way."

On the 25th, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Na Kyung-won, the chairperson, is speaking at the joint meeting of the People Power Party's Local Election General Planning Team and party-affiliated mayors, county heads, and district chiefs. 2025.11.25 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Previously, the planning team announced its intention to change the local election primary rules from the previous system-50% party member votes and 50% general public opinion poll-to a new system reflecting 70% party member votes and 30% general public opinion poll. However, as internal opposition grew, the party also considered alternatives such as introducing a national electoral college.

Na highlighted the nearly one million dues-paying party members, describing them as "citizens who, out of concern for the country, pay party dues from their own pockets and speak out at the forefront," and emphasized, "They are the people our party must listen to and respect first and foremost, more closely than anyone else."

She cited several reasons for expanding the party member voting rate: the need to broaden the party's base, the high risk of strategic voting given the ruling party's strong and organized core members, the general public opinion polls that have deviated beyond the margin of error, and the low voter turnout in local elections.

She further stated, "We must view this differently from the presidential election, where turnout approaches 80%. Without respecting party members and uniting party strength, it will be difficult to capture public sentiment in this challenging election."

The planning team plans to finalize discussions on the primary rules next week and report its own proposal to the party leadership.