[June 3 Local Elections] Democrats Strengthen 'Party Member Rights' vs People Power Party Debates 'Party Member Vote Weight'

How Will the Ruling and Opposition Parties Set Their Primary Rules?

Regarding the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3, the Democratic Party of Korea has finalized its nomination rules, emphasizing the strengthening of party members' rights. The People Power Party is still deliberating over the proportion of party member votes.

Ruling Party: 100% Voting by Rights-Holding Members for Proportional Representation... Candidates to Be Selected Through Preliminary Elections Instead of Cut-Offs

According to political circles on January 5, the Democratic Party finalized its nomination rules last month through the Central Committee. In the case of the Democratic Party’s local election nomination rules, the opinions of rights-holding party members have become more important. For proportional representation seats for metropolitan councilors, which were previously decided by the standing committee of city and provincial party chapters, the decision will now be made by a 100% vote of rights-holding party members. For proportional representation seats for basic councilors, the decision will be made by combining 50% of rights-holding party member votes and 50% of standing committee member votes. For positions such as heads of local governments, the selection method remains unchanged at 50% rights-holding party member votes and 50% public opinion poll results.

Yonhap News Agency

The introduction of a preliminary primary is another change from previous rules. If there are five or more candidates, a preliminary primary will be held. In the past, candidates could be excluded from primaries based on documents and interview scores-a so-called "cut-off"-but now, candidates will be selected through a preliminary election instead. However, individuals involved in any of the five major crimes (sexual offenses, drunk driving, bribery, hiring corruption, or school violence) or other serious misconduct will be classified as ineligible without exception and will be barred from participating in the primary.

Additionally, those with a history of habitual party defection will face a penalty, with 25% of their primary votes deducted. Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae promised at the Supreme Council meeting held in North Jeolla Province on December 31, "In the local elections, we will eliminate unfair cut-offs and nominate the most competitive candidates through a fully participatory and fair primary involving party members."

Opposition Party: 70% Party Member Votes, 30% Public Opinion Polls Recommended... Concerns Over Increased Weight of Party Members' Votes

The decision on the People Power Party’s primary rules has now been handed over to the party leadership, including leader Jang Donghyuk. On December 23, the People Power Party’s Local Election Planning Committee recommended to the leadership a plan to reflect 70% party member votes and 30% public opinion polls. Compared to the current primary rules (50% party member votes and 50% public opinion polls), this proposal increases the weight of party members’ opinions. To revise the primary rules as recommended, approval from the Supreme Council, the Standing National Committee, and the National Committee must be obtained by the end of this month.

As leader Jang’s final decision approaches, concerns are mounting over the plan to increase the proportion of party member votes.

Yonhap News Agency

Twenty-five members of the People Power Party’s freshman and sophomore lawmakers’ group "Alternative and Future" have expressed their view that the current 50:50 ratio between party members and public opinion should be maintained, or that the proportion of public opinion should be increased. Incumbent metropolitan mayors and governors are also opposing the plan to increase the weight of party member votes. On January 1, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon stated via social media, "We must not be swayed by a vocal minority," and added, "We must listen to the overwhelming majority and be reborn as an opposition party supported by public trust."

Leader Jang, who has previously supported increasing the weight of party member votes, is now making a final deliberation. A member of the People Power Party leadership said, "Leader Jang's basic stance is to strengthen party identity and reflect the will of party members," and added, "He is listening to various opinions inside and outside the party and will make a decision soon." As a result, it is reported that the party is also considering applying different proportions of party member votes by region.