The Ruling Party's Political Innovation Committee, "Internal Discussions to be Concluded by March 10"

"There is a consensus that maintaining the current election system is inappropriate"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The Democratic Party's Political Innovation Committee held a discussion forum with lawmakers on the 16th regarding the electoral system and began gathering party opinions on electoral system reform. The Democratic Party plans to finalize the proposal by organizing internal discussions by April 10.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the day, Jang Kyung-tae, the Political Innovation Committee Chair and Supreme Council Member of the party, met with reporters after the lawmakers' discussion forum on the electoral system and said, "Since the National Assembly Speaker has pledged to complete discussions by April 10, including the plenary committee meeting (the deadline for electoral district delineation), we also intend to organize internal party discussions by March 10 as much as possible."

Chair Jang stated, "There is a consensus that maintaining the current system as is for the electoral system is highly inappropriate," and added, "We are discussing improvements not only to the constituencies but also to the proportional representation system."

The Political Innovation Committee is conducting a survey in the form of a letter to lawmakers' offices. It is explained that this is a process of collecting opinions on contentious issues.

Chair Jang said, "There may be discussions on single-member districts, simple plurality systems, proportional representation, and so on," and added, "There is no absolutely correct direction for the electoral system. This is a perception survey aimed at reaching a mutually agreed and acceptable direction."

Meanwhile, at the meeting, there was also an explanation about the four reform proposals shortlisted by the Special Committee on Political Reform.

On the same day, Floor Leader Park Hong-geun said in a public statement, "We will determine our position through a broad process of gathering opinions within the party on which electoral system would contribute to political development," and added, "The electoral system is determined by the National Assembly, not the President."

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