Lee Hae-chan "Election campaigns causing public anxiety are not allowed... Must continue prioritizing quarantine measures"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the party’s preliminary candidates to continue the "quarantine-first election campaign policy." This measure aims to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) through election campaigns.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd, Lee said regarding preparations for the general election, "With the general election just 72 days away, we should not conduct election campaigns that cause public anxiety amid the crisis of the novel coronavirus outbreak." He added, "Our party decided last week to prioritize quarantine in election campaigns. I hope the party secretariat will continue to emphasize this campaign policy."

The Democratic Party recently sent official letters to each city and provincial party, requesting the suspension of face-to-face contacts such as visiting stores or shaking hands with voters, and asked to focus on online election campaigns through SNS rather than campaigning in places with large crowds such as traditional markets or event venues. Lee added, "There is a negotiation among the chief deputy representatives of the three parties today, and I ask that they agree to jointly refrain from excessive election campaigning during these talks."

Regarding the government’s recent restriction on entry for foreigners arriving from China, he said, "I think it was an appropriate response by the government." He also stated, "We will hold a high-level party-government consultation at an early date," and added, "We need to examine the short-term impact on the macroeconomy and prepare countermeasures." He emphasized, "We must pay extra attention to ensure that Asan, Jincheon, and the surrounding areas, which warmly welcomed Wuhan residents, do not suffer any damage from this incident."

Regarding the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly, he said, "I hope the floor leaders will engage in serious negotiations this week so that the February extraordinary session, which opens next week, will be a National Assembly that reassures the public." He also proposed, "I suggest the opposition party promptly agree on the schedule for the February extraordinary session and together create a non-contentious National Assembly focused on public safety and livelihood legislation."

Lee emphasized, "Along with the National Assembly’s immediate response to the novel coronavirus, please focus on passing public safety laws such as quarantine, the Livestock Act, and the Special Act on Fine Dust to enhance infectious disease response capabilities." He continued, "There are already many pressing issues in the National Assembly," adding, "There are many livelihood bills such as the Financial Consumer Protection Act, the Act on Support for Materials, Parts, and Equipment Industry, and real estate measures. In particular, police reform legislation, including the amendment to the Police Act, is very important, so I will do my best to ensure it is well handled through bipartisan agreement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.