Ahn Cheol-soo: "Pathetic Presidential Race... A 'Joint Candidate Verification Committee' Must Be Established for Verification"

Proposal to Each Party and Candidate
Plans for Candidate Allegation Verification and Hearing Sessions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, proposed to competing candidates the establishment of a 'Joint Candidate Verification Committee' under the National Election Commission. The purpose is to improve the presidential race marred by 'candidate risks' and to focus on policy debates.

On the 19th, Ahn held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly and said, "The political circles, which should comfort the public suffering from COVID-19 and present proper measures, have completely forgotten their responsibility. Personal and family issues of candidates dominate the presidential race, and the competition is about who is worse or who is the worst." He criticized the current situation as a "pitiful presidential race" and an "old-fashioned political scene."

He continued, "In this state, no matter who is elected, South Korea will never be able to overcome the numerous challenges it faces, including COVID-19 quarantine," and argued, "The political circles must now become self-aware and reflective, and overturn the current situation."

Ahn said, "This is not about raising suspicions in a 'say whatever' manner, but about proper verification," and proposed, "I suggest establishing a neutral joint candidate verification committee under the National Election Commission, composed of individuals recommended by each political party, neutral media organizations, and political academic societies."

The verification committee would examine materials related to various suspicions about candidates and their families and hold candidate invitation hearings.

He added, "If you are confident or have the courage to admit mistakes and correct them, there is no reason to hesitate at my proposal," and said, "Presidential candidates should agree to form the joint candidate verification committee, entrust the verification to it, and compete before the people with visions for the future of South Korea."

Meanwhile, starting from this day, Ahn plans a 'first public opinion listening regional schedule' with a 3-night 4-day visit to Daegu and Gyeongbuk, and a 3-night 4-day visit to Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam to promote national unity and overcome COVID-19. He aims to find solutions for national unity by visiting places such as the birthplace of martyr Jeon Tae-il.

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