DP Begins Controversial 'One Member, One Vote' Opinion Poll... To Be Held Over Two Days

The Democratic Party of Korea is conducting a two-day opinion poll among its dues-paying members regarding proposed amendments to the party constitution and regulations, aimed at ushering in an era of 'one member, one vote.' Amid controversy over the eligibility requirements for voting, the party changed the wording from the original 'all-member vote' to 'opinion-gathering vote.'

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on November 12, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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On the 19th, the Democratic Party announced that it would hold an opinion-gathering vote among dues-paying members on amendments to the party constitution and regulations to equalize the voting weight of delegates and dues-paying members. The vote will take place over two days, from 9 a.m. on this day until 6 p.m. on the 20th. This is a key part of the 'party member sovereignty' pledge made by Jeong Cheongrae when he ran for party leader. The previous Article 25 of the party constitution stipulated that the voting weight of delegates and dues-paying members in the election of the party leader and Supreme Council members should not exceed a 20-to-1 ratio, but this clause has been removed to enhance the influence of dues-paying members' votes.

The method for selecting basic and metropolitan proportional representatives has also been changed to increase the influence of dues-paying members in local elections. Previously, Articles 94 and 95 of the party constitution stipulated that executive committee members at each level would determine the ranking, but the amendments now allow rankings to be determined by a 100% vote of dues-paying members. A new clause has also been introduced to allow for a preliminary primary by a 100% vote of dues-paying members if there are four or more candidates in the primary.

Initially, the voting notice stated that it was an 'all-member vote for the amendment and establishment of the party constitution and regulations,' which sparked controversy. According to the party constitution and regulations, an all-member vote refers to a vote involving all dues-paying members who have the right to vote and run in party and public office elections. On the 17th, Jeong Cheongrae also stated at the Supreme Council meeting, "On the 19th and 20th, we will hold a historic all-member vote to ask party members for their opinions on the era of one member, one vote and party member sovereignty."

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However, as the eligibility for voting was specified as dues-paying members who paid their dues last month, some party members raised concerns. According to the party regulations, the right to vote is granted only to dues-paying members who joined at least six months prior to the date of the vote and have paid their dues at least six times in the 12 months preceding the vote. In pro-party online communities, there were reactions such as, "Shouldn't the requirement include at least six payments?" and "Does this mean even those who joined just one month ago are included?"

Supreme Council member Lee Eonju also expressed concern on Facebook, stating, "It is worrisome to limit voting eligibility to dues-paying members who paid only in October. Until now, the standard for party member votes on party affairs has almost always been dues-paying members who have paid dues for at least six months. Such a sudden change in the standard could lead to distrust of the party leadership." Subsequently, the Democratic Party revised the notice to 'opinion-gathering vote among dues-paying members for the amendment and establishment of the party constitution and regulations.'

Secretary General Cho Seungrae also apologized on his Facebook the previous day, saying, "I apologize to party members for any misunderstandings that have arisen." After the controversy, Jeong Cheongrae did not provide a separate explanation regarding the issue in public but emphasized, "We will ask the approximately 1.64 million party members whether they support the proposed amendments to the party constitution and regulations and will make sure to fully reflect the will of the members."

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