Democratic Party's Three Naju Mayoral Preliminary Candidates Launch First Candidate Unification... Signal of Realignment Draws Attention

Cutoff Candidates to Support Primary Election Candidates Proposed

Three preliminary candidates for mayor of Naju from the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Byung-ju, Lee Min-jun, and Lee Jae-chang, raised their joined hands and shouted "One Team" after declaring their intention to unify their candidacies in front of Geumseonggwan in Naju on the 10th. (Photo by Reader)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] The June 1 local election for the mayor of Naju is seeing intense early competition, with 10 candidates from the same party challenging incumbent Mayor Kang In-kyu, who is seeking a third term. Amid this, accusations and smear campaigns among candidates are rampant as they vie for a favorable position.

In this context, three Democratic Party preliminary candidates for Naju mayor?Kim Byung-joo, Lee Min-jun, and Lee Jae-chang?have drawn attention by initiating a unification effort in front of Naju Geumseonggwan on the 10th.

According to local political circles on the 11th, the three Democratic Party preliminary candidates?Kim Byung-joo, Lee Min-jun, and Lee Jae-chang?made the first declaration of candidate unification among mayoral candidates at 5 p.m. the previous day in front of Naju Geumseonggwan.

In a statement released that day, the three candidates said, “We urge all Democratic Party candidates to unite to block Mayor Kang In-kyu’s third term and to set Naju on the right path.”

Regarding the background of the unification effort, they claimed, “There is a persistent view in the community that if the Democratic Party mayoral candidates fail to unify, Mayor Kang In-kyu, who has neglected Naju’s development with immoral and inadequate administration, could succeed in winning a third term, leading to stagnation and division.”

They added, “To prevent Mayor Kang’s third term, the three candidates have first united their will. We call on all candidates opposing Mayor Kang’s third term to join the unification.”

While party members and voters are focusing on the method of unification, it has been confirmed that the unification will not immediately be through public opinion polls, causing some confusion.

The three preliminary candidates plan to pursue unification by having the candidates who do not advance to the primary support those who do, based on the results of the Democratic Party’s candidate interview and cut-off on the 12th.

If only one candidate passes the cut-off, the remaining eliminated candidates will support that candidate as one team. Conversely, if two or more pass, the unification method will be finalized after further discussions.

The three candidates explained, “If the unified candidate wins, the other candidates who ran together will join the city administration through policy alliances and participate in roles.”

Meanwhile, a total of 13 preliminary candidates are running for Naju mayor, including 11 from the Democratic Party, among them incumbent Mayor Kang In-kyu seeking a third term, and 2 independents.

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr

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