Still Searching for South Jeolla Governor Candidate...
Hints at Possibility of Metropolitan Run
Proposes Entry Strategy for Basic Council Seats in Multi-Member Districts
Cooperation with Democratic Party to Hold People Power Party Accountable,
Draws Clear Line Against Merger
Cho Kukhyun, leader of the National Innovation Party, is seen moving after offering flowers and incense at the citizen memorial altar set up at the Gwangju Representative Library collapse accident site in 5.18 Democracy Square, Dong-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Cho Kuk, leader of the National Innovation Party, stated ahead of next year's June 3 local elections regarding candidates for metropolitan mayors in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, "For the mayor of Gwangju, I have a specific person in mind, while for the governor of South Jeolla, we are still searching." He also clarified his strategy: to cooperate with the Democratic Party in holding the far-right People Power Party accountable, but to act as a "catfish" to keep the monopoly structure of Honam politics in check.
Meeting with reporters in Gwangju on the 24th, Cho said, "Our goal is to field as many candidates as possible, focusing on multi-member districts to strengthen our grassroots base. However, since elections are interconnected, we cannot only run candidates for basic-level positions without fielding any metropolitan candidates." He continued, "The candidate for Gwangju mayor is not just at a conceptual stage; I have a specific person in mind. As for the South Jeolla governor, we have not yet found a suitable candidate, but we have not given up."
Later that afternoon at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, Cho stated, "The People Power Party is becoming increasingly far-right, unable to break away from Yoon Suk-yeol. In next year's local elections, we will thoroughly cooperate with the Democratic Party to hold the far-right People Power Party accountable." However, he added, "Regarding issues arising from the Democratic Party's monopoly in the region, the National Innovation Party will play the role of a 'catfish' to make Honam politics more transparent and healthy."
The basic policy of the National Innovation Party is to compete in regions monopolized by a particular party, and to cooperate in other regions, with the aim of reducing the number of People Power Party metropolitan and basic-level heads nationwide to zero. Especially in Gwangju and South Jeolla, where there are many multi-member districts, the party plans to secure a voice in local councils by ensuring at least one member is elected in basic-level council districts with three to five seats.
Cho commented, "Both Honam and TK regions need competition. There have been repeated cases where elected heads end up in prison or have their elections annulled. As seen in the by-elections in Damyang, Yeonggwang, and Gokseong, competition brings transparency and eliminates corruption." He also assessed, "Our victory in the recent Damyang County by-election showed that even a small party can fulfill its role."
Cho Kuk, leader of the National Innovation Party, is moving after offering flowers and incense at the citizen memorial altar set up at the Gwangju Representative Library collapse accident site in 5·18 Democratic Square, Dong-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding party approval ratings, Cho also acknowledged the current reality. He said, "Paradoxically, with the Lee Jaemyung administration performing well after the change of government, the National Innovation Party's approval rating has declined. I also recognize that, unlike during the general election when voters had two votes, now they only have one." He continued, "Since my personal approval rating is about three times that of the party, I will travel nationwide during the local elections to raise the party's approval rating to match my personal level."
On the possibility of a merger with the Democratic Party, he drew a clear line, saying, "I have stated multiple times that we will not merge." As for policy differences, he emphasized that the party has taken different stances from the Democratic Party on issues such as the establishment of a special court for insurrection, the Information and Communications Network Act, filibuster and banner regulations, and the reintroduction of the three laws on public land ownership.
On this day, Cho visited the citizen memorial altars for the victims of the Gwangju Representative Library collapse and the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, offering flowers and observing a moment of silence. In the guestbook, he wrote, "I will do everything I can for a safe Gwangju," and "I will create a Republic of Korea without disasters." After completing his schedule in Gwangju, he traveled to Damyang, South Jeolla Province, to attend the opening ceremony of the Santa Festival.
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