The Democratic Party finalizes by-election primary rules with 50% party members and 50% voters... Strengthening the weight of policy capability assessment

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[Asia Economy Reporter Won Dara] The Democratic Party of Korea has finalized the primary election rules for the April 7 by-elections, based on a 50% vote from party members and 50% from general voters. The party maintained the framework used in last year's general election and strengthened the emphasis on policy capability in the candidate recommendation committee's evaluation.

Kang Seon-woo, spokesperson for the by-election planning team, stated at a National Assembly briefing on the morning of the 8th, "We decided to apply the existing primary election rule of 50% party members and 50% general voters as stipulated in the party constitution and regulations, and this was approved by the Supreme Council."

Regarding the reason for maintaining the existing primary election rule, Spokesperson Kang explained, "The 50-50 rule is a well-established primary system developed through our party's long discussions and accumulated experience. Both the party leadership and the planning team agreed that based on a system nomination, we need to verify competent candidates desired by party members and the public."

The rules for adding or subtracting points in nominations will also be maintained. Political newcomers will receive an additional 10% to 20%, and women and youth candidates will receive an additional 10% to 25%. The youth category is defined as under 35 years old.

However, the candidate recommendation committee's evaluation criteria will apply 20% for job performance ability, 20% for morality, and 40% for electability. In last year's general election, the criteria were 15% for identity, 10% for contribution, 10% for legislative activity, 15% for morality, 40% for electability (nomination suitability survey), and 10% for interviews.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "In the last general election, identity and contribution were separated, but for the April 7 by-election, we strengthened job performance ability and integrated policy capability evaluation, which is a difference from the last general election."

If a single candidate does not receive a majority of votes in the primary, a runoff vote will be held. Whether the runoff will be conducted through a national participation primary or a party member primary will be decided by each city and provincial party.

Kang said, "Within the existing framework, to increase interest in the primary, the Seoul and Busan election planning teams will discuss specific participation methods and the primary election date," adding, "The central party management committee to be formed later will establish detailed primary rules."

Regarding the final candidate decision timing, Kang stated, "It will be decided between the end of February and March."

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