Democratic Party Gyeongnam Youth Committee: "Uphold Youth Nomination Ratio and Designate Youth Special Zones"

The Youth Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongnam Provincial Party has called on the provincial party to comply with the mandatory youth nomination ratio stipulated in the party's central regulations, ahead of the nationwide local elections scheduled for June.

On January 14, the Youth Committee of the Gyeongnam Provincial Party held a press conference in the briefing room of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, urging, "The Gyeongnam Provincial Party must clearly state its commitment to adhering to the youth nomination ratio set by the central party."

The committee further emphasized, "The central party has already codified in Party Rule No. 10, Article 78, the mandatory nomination of at least 20% youth candidates for metropolitan councilors and at least 30% for basic councilors. This is not a recommendation, but a promise that must be kept and represents the minimum responsibility the Democratic Party has imposed upon itself before the public and youth."

They pointed out, "If the Gyeongnam Provincial Party fails to uphold this principle by claiming it is difficult to find young candidates or that election costs deter youth from running, such excuses are nothing more than irresponsible attempts to shift the blame onto young people."

The Youth Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongnam Provincial Party and National Youth Committee Chairperson Congressman Mo Kyungjong (center) are holding a press conference at the Gyeongnam Provincial Party Office urging compliance with the youth nomination ratio and the designation of a youth special zone. Photo by Lee Seryeong

They also demanded, "Boldly designate competitive constituencies with a high chance of winning as youth special zones."

The Youth Committee stated, "Youth special zones and youth strategic constituencies are the starting point for creating opportunities where young people can win. We must create a platform where youth can compete confidently as Democratic Party candidates."

Additionally, they added that a 'youth politician support package'-including deposit reductions, primary election cost support, and assistance with promotion and organizational building-should be finalized and announced alongside the designation of youth special zones as soon as possible.

The press conference was attended by Jin Hyungik, Chairperson of the Youth Committee of the Democratic Party's Gyeongnam Provincial Party, members of the Youth Committee, and National Youth Committee Chairperson and Congressman Mo Kyungjong.

After the press conference, they held a meeting at the Gyeongnam Provincial Party office with the local election planning team, where they proposed compliance with the youth nomination ratio and the designation of youth special zones.

The committee stated, "To prove that the Democratic Party is a party moving toward the future in this local election, both the central party and the Gyeongnam Provincial Party must make swift and clear decisions."