Democratic Party Explains Aftermath of Seoul 'Nomination Decision'... "Not Strategic Nomination but Strategic Electoral District"

Candidate Kim Jin-ae's Objection "We Must Boost with Primaries"
Shin Hyun-young "Strategic Nomination Committee Review, Primaries Will Be Held"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] As the Democratic Party of Korea announced its intention to designate Seoul as a strategic nomination area, some within the party have expressed opposition. In response, the Democratic Party clarified that it is not a strategic nomination but rather the designation of a 'strategic electoral district' subject to review and primaries by the Strategic Nomination Committee, leaving room for interpretation.

Yoon Ho-jung, the Emergency Response Committee Chair, said at the committee meeting held at the Daejeon City Party Office on the morning of the 13th, "For a definite victory in the local elections, in addition to new attempts, a grand decision for everyone to win is inevitable," adding, "We have decided to designate Seoul as a strategic nomination area."

Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee, also welcomed the decision on Facebook, stating, "I welcome the decision to strategically nominate the Seoul mayoral candidate," and added, "This is not a strategic nomination for a specific candidate. We are determined to nominate a competitive candidate who meets the public’s expectations in Seoul and lead this local election to victory."

In response, former lawmaker Kim Jin-ae, who is running as a preliminary candidate for Seoul mayor, expressed opposition on Facebook, saying, "The Emergency Response Committee should focus on resolving party conflicts and increasing the chances of winning the general election through party democracy procedures, but it is regrettable that they made the opposite decision."

She continued, "If a single nomination is being considered, both the target and criteria are unclear," and pointed out, "Currently, no one is trailing the People Power Party candidate Oh Se-hoon in opinion polls."

She further explained, "If a specific party insider is given a single nomination, will it be accepted?" and added, "It will first receive public criticism and criticism from party members."

She also criticized, "Even if they try to expand the pool of candidates through additional recruitment and primaries, who outside the party would respond in a losing election landscape?" and said, "Isn't it cowardly that those insiders have not stepped forward until now?"

Kim emphasized, "Principles are paramount, especially in urgent times," and added, "Starting the primaries quickly to build momentum and generate enthusiasm is the most straightforward and effective method."

Amid the controversy, the Democratic Party explained that along with 'strategic nomination,' there is a possibility of primaries. While the likelihood of strategic nomination is high, it means that internal review by the Strategic Nomination Committee and primaries will be conducted. Spokesperson Shin Hyung-young issued a statement saying, "The Democratic Party Emergency Response Committee decided today to designate 'Seoul Special City, Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Daejeon Seo-gu' as 'strategic electoral districts' in relation to the June 1 local elections."

Spokesperson Shin said, "The designation of strategic electoral districts refers to electoral districts requiring special consideration in election strategy, where competitive candidates are selected through various methods including primaries after review by the Strategic Nomination Committee," and added, "Therefore, the designation of strategic electoral districts is not synonymous with strategic nomination."

According to the Democratic Party’s constitution and regulations, the Strategic Nomination Committee selects strategic electoral districts, and the recommendation is finalized after approval by the Supreme Council and ratification by the Party Affairs Committee.

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