Democratic Party Confirms 2nd Round of Strategic Nominations Next Week... "May Increase"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea is looking to expand the scope of its 'reshuffle.' They plan to decide on the second round of strategic nominations around next week, and it is expected to increase beyond the initial forecast. Areas where 60% of incumbent lawmakers are the sole applicants for nomination, and regions of incumbents rated in the bottom 20% with low competitiveness, may be boldly converted to strategic nominations.

Do Jong-hwan, a member of the Democratic Party and chairman of the Strategic Nomination Committee, stated on the 6th, "We will decide on the second round of strategic nomination areas around mid-month," adding, "The decision will be made through discussions by the Nomination Management Committee and candidate suitability investigations, and the number may increase somewhat more than initially expected."

Last month on the 17th, the Democratic Party announced 15 strategic nomination areas, mainly focusing on regions where incumbents are not running. While the first round was applied according to regulations, the second round involves 'judgment' based on public opinion polls and other factors. Although the Democratic Party has a policy to minimize strategic nominations, it faces a situation where it must consider strengthening competitiveness in the general election and expanding the reshuffle scope.

Do said, "We have only decided on the strategic nomination areas and have not yet discussed specific individuals," adding, "Some of the recruited talents could become strategic nomination candidates."

Lee In-young, the Democratic Party floor leader, also mentioned in an interview with Asia Economy on the 4th, "It is currently impossible to predict how much of a renewal among incumbents will occur."

The suitability survey for nominations is one of the comprehensive evaluation items conducted by the Nomination Management Committee on applicants, accounting for 40% of the overall nomination assessment. The rest includes identity (15%), contribution (10%), legislative activity ability (10%), morality (15%), and interviews (10%). Contrary to the initial policy, suitability surveys will also be conducted in areas where incumbents are the sole applicants.

Won Hye-young, chairperson of the Democratic Party Nomination Management Committee, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 5th and said, "Strategic nominations will be broadly reviewed based on competitiveness to increase the chances of winning the election."

She explained, "(Through the suitability survey) we will closely examine whether this person has competitiveness or not," adding, "For example, if the candidate's support rate is much lower than the party's support rate, or if the opposition rate is much higher than the support rate, even if the incumbent is the sole applicant, we cannot help but worry whether they can win."

She continued, "Strategic nominations can be considered, and if it is impossible to run the election with this person, and it would be like handing over the nomination, additional recruitment must be conducted," emphasizing, "This is a very difficult matter, but naturally, the election must be won."

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