Did Ahn leave the door open... People Power Party calls for additional candidates for by-election

"Running Mate for Gyeonggi Governor and Challenging District Candidacy"
Divided Opinions over Bundang-gap and Gyeyang-eul
Democratic Party Sees Even Split on Lee Jae-myung's Candidacy Support and Opposition

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, is arriving at the transition office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 4th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Hyunju Lee and Hyunji Kwon] The People Power Party has decided to accept additional candidate applications to secure Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, for the June 1 by-elections. This move is interpreted as an effort to encourage Chairman Ahn to run in the by-elections held alongside the local elections, thereby increasing public interest. As there is strong support within the party for Chairman Ahn to run in a challenging district, the possibility of a strategic nomination has increased.

On the afternoon of the 4th, the People Power Party held a meeting of the Nomination Management Committee for the parliamentary by-elections and decided to accept additional candidate applications for the by-elections held together with the local elections. Yoon Sang-hyun, a People Power Party lawmaker and chairman of the nomination committee for the June 1 by-elections, told Asia Economy, "We plan to accept additional applications," adding, "The period will be decided at today's meeting."

The People Power Party had completed candidate applications for the by-elections the day before, but since Chairman Ahn could not register his name due to the overlap with the announcement day of the next government's national agenda, this decision is seen as a consideration of that fact.

The nomination committee stated that the additional recruitment is not only for Chairman Ahn but also for other candidates, but within the party, it is interpreted as targeting Chairman Ahn. While a primary election is required if he chooses to run, strategic nomination cannot be ruled out in difficult districts. For a smooth victory, running in Seongnam Bundang Gap is advantageous as he could run as a running mate to Gyeonggi Province Governor candidate Kim Eun-hye. On the radio that day, Kim Eun-hye said, "We need someone, including Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo, who can heal the wounds of the residents and has the insight to lead Bundang and Pangyo in future industries." On the other hand, there are differing opinions that, considering political influence, he should run in Incheon Gyeyang Eul, classified as a difficult district. A senior lawmaker said in a phone call, "Securing a seat in a place like Incheon Gyeyang will increase the party's contribution," adding, "That would help Chairman Ahn establish his position within the party." Some also suggest that challenging Daegu Suseong Eul and winning the internal primary could gain support from party members, making it worth trying.

The party leadership maintains a firm stance against strategic nominations. After the Supreme Council meeting that day, People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok told reporters, when asked about a strategic nomination for Chairman Ahn, "I clearly said that strategic nominations could be used in this election, but I am not talking about any specific region."

Political circles report that Chairman Ahn is expected to take about two days after the transition committee ends on the 6th and announce his position on running in the local elections around the 8th.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is leaving the party headquarters after attending the disbandment ceremony of the campaign committee held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of March 10. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

The Democratic Party is also divided over the local election candidacy of Senior Advisor Lee Jae-myung. On the same day, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said in a radio interview when asked about his personal opinion on the 'Lee Jae-myung draft theory,' "The local election situation is becoming quite difficult," adding, "For us, ultimately, reuniting the hearts of those who supported candidate Lee Jae-myung in the last presidential election is perhaps a very important strategy for the local elections."

On the other hand, Democratic Party lawmaker Roh Woong-rae pointed out, "Lee Jae-myung's candidacy is not just a personal matter but has important strategic significance at the party level," adding, "The party and Senior Advisor Lee must carefully consider and make a final decision on whether the candidacy aligns with the hopes of our people who expect the party to change and be reborn after reflection and remorse following the presidential election defeat."

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