People Power Party Nomination Committee: "Main Primary Citizen Polls 100%... Female Bonus Points Only 10%"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] The People Power Party's nomination management committee has decided to conduct the main primary election based on 100% citizen opinion polls. Regarding additional points for female candidates, 20% will be applied during the preliminary primary, and 10% during the main primary.

On the morning of the 8th, after the 3rd meeting of the nomination committee at the National Assembly, People Power Party nomination committee chairman Jeong Jin-seok told reporters, "We unanimously resolved to reflect 20% party member votes and 80% citizen opinion polls in the preliminary primary, and to use 100% citizen opinion polls in the main primary."

The additional points for women, initially set at 20%, will only be applied at 20% during the preliminary primary, and 10% during the main primary, considering actual electoral competitiveness. Chairman Jeong explained, "Compared to other parties, there is no significant difference, and the common opinion is that this is an appropriate level."

The primary rules will be applied equally in the candidate selection process for the Busan and Seoul by-elections. While there is a 'unification' issue in Seoul, there is no such issue in Busan, leading to criticism that applying the 100% rule in the main primary disregards the will of party members. Regarding this, Chairman Jeong said, "Party members may feel somewhat disappointed, but our party members will accurately recognize the significance of the Seoul and Busan by-elections."

Earlier, Chairman Jeong advocated a 'pre-unification followed by post-unification' plan between the People Party and the People Power Party through his Facebook account. He said, "This is not a matter of choice but a matter of principle," adding, "Because it is an issue that responds to the people's aspirations, we need to think more deeply and actively about it."

He also said, "If the current position of Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, is to become the unified candidate of the pan-opposition and run as candidate number 4, wouldn't that cause some skepticism among other supporters?" He added, "I hope for broader consideration and a decisive decision from Leader Ahn."

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