Democratic Party and Simin Party Finalize Merger... Only Election Commission Notification Remains

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea and the Together Citizens' Party finalized their merger decision on the 13th. Once the joint registration is completed with the National Election Commission on the 15th, the merger process between the two parties will be fully concluded.

On the same day, the two parties held a joint meeting of the merger committees at the National Assembly and unanimously approved five agenda items, including the resolution on the merger of the committees.

The party name, leadership, and location will follow the existing Democratic Party, and the members of the Citizens' Party will be succeeded by the Democratic Party. However, a special provision was introduced requiring party members who have been expelled or disciplined by the Democratic Party to undergo a qualification review by the Party Membership Qualification Review Committee.

With the merger decision, the number of seats held by the Democratic Party in the 21st National Assembly will increase from 163 to 177. The Citizens' Party, which had 17 elected members, previously expelled elected members Yong Hye-in and Jo Jeong-hoon, who wished to return to Wondae through the Basic Income Party and Transition Korea, and also expelled elected member Yang Jeong-sook over allegations of real estate nominee trust.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the meeting, "The merger of the two parties is a promise we made to the people in the last general election, and I am very pleased to keep this promise today," adding, "I hope you will always approach the opening of the National Assembly with humility in serving the people and with an extraordinary determination to take responsibility for the country's future."

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