Lee Ju-young and Kim Jae-kyung "Reconsider the Excessive PK Cutoff and Temporarily Suspend the Primary Election"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee Joo-young and Kim Jae-kyung, lawmakers who were cut off (excluded from nomination) during the nomination process of the United Future Party, demanded a review of the cut-off decision and a temporary suspension of the primary election procedures.

On the 13th, at a press conference held at the National Assembly Press Hall with Kim, Lee stated, "Gyeongnam has suffered a disadvantage that cannot be found in any other region nationwide, where all senior lawmakers were excluded from nomination solely because they are multiple-term lawmakers."

He said, "While I regret the resignation of Kim Hyung-oh, the chairman of the nomination committee, I believe his self-sacrificing and agonizing decision also carries a precious intention to correct what is wrong," adding, "The excluded lawmakers have asserted the unfairness through various channels but have yet to receive any rectified results."

Lee said, "The so-called 50% cut-off and the arbitrary exclusion of senior lawmakers from the Yeongnam region by the nomination committee, which lacks principles, is pushing Gyeongnam into political marginalization," and added, "The cut-off in the Gyeongnam region should be reviewed, and the ongoing primary election procedures should be temporarily suspended."

He further requested, "Regarding the candidates in the primary or those tentatively decided, please review the newly raised issues after the interviews and re-examine their disqualification."

He pointed out, "The excluded lawmakers consistently hold a significant lead over their competitors in the nomination committee’s own opinion polls and have no blemishes such as corruption or offensive remarks," emphasizing, "Excluding them solely because they are multiple-term lawmakers is unfair and unjust, violating the democratic values and principles of fairness and justice."

Lee urged, "The party leadership should seek new solutions through political negotiations with the nomination committee," and requested, "Give primary election opportunities to incumbent lawmakers from other regions and out-of-office party branch chiefs who have been unfairly excluded despite their high contributions to the party, such as fighting against the ruling party."

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