Jeon Haecheol of Democratic Party Announces Candidacy for Ansan-gap By-election: "Morality Must Be the Standard"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Haecheol announced on April 13 his candidacy for the by-election in Ansan-gap, Gyeonggi Province.

On this day, Jeon held a press conference at the Ansan City Council to declare his candidacy, stating, "This by-election is being held due to the invalidation of the previous lawmaker's election. Therefore, the process must be fair, and ethical standards must be firmly upheld. Above all, morality should be the key criterion."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Sangkyun Han = Jeon Haecheol is giving a greeting speech at the seminar titled "Public Opinion Trends and the 2024 General Election Prospects" hosted by the Democracy 4.0 Research Group, a meeting of Democratic Party lawmakers, at the National Assembly on September 6, 2023. xyz@yna.co.kr (End)

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He began by saying, "I have given this a lot of thought," and continued, "After humbly accepting the choice of citizens and party members in the last general election, I stepped back from the political frontlines and took time to reflect on both the region and politics."

He went on to stress, "Fair competition must be guaranteed," adding, "It is a fundamental principle of democracy that the representative of a region should be chosen by the judgment of citizens and party members, not through specific methods or artificial decisions."

He further stated, "At this point, what is needed is the right politics of integration that goes beyond conflict, even for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration." He pledged, "Once again, I will seek the choice of citizens and, with that responsibility, bring about change in Ansan."

He also emphasized, "Right now, Ansan needs responsible leadership to restart the many pending issues that have come to a standstill." He added, "While observing the region, I felt another sense of responsibility. There are projects that have stalled, changes that have failed to gain momentum, and even the frustration felt by citizens. I have concluded that things cannot continue as they are."

Jeon highlighted his experience, saying, "I have represented Ansan and gained experience by bridging the central and local governments. I have served three terms as a lawmaker for Sangnok-gu, held the position of Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House, and served as Minister of the Interior and Safety, further developing my capabilities. Ultimately, that experience and capability must be used to improve the lives of Ansan's citizens."

His main campaign pledges include: ▲ Proceeding with the normal implementation of the GTX-C Sangnoksu Station and developing the station area ▲ Redevelopment and reconstruction in Sangnok-gu ▲ Completion and extension of the Shinansan Line ▲ Undergrounding of Subway Line 4 ▲ Promoting the Science Valley-centered Free Economic Zone, among others.

The Ansan-gap by-election in Gyeonggi Province, which will be held on June 3 along with the nationwide local elections, was triggered when former Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Moonseok lost his seat on April 12 after being convicted on charges including loan fraud. Previously, Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Namkook officially announced his candidacy, and Kim Yong, former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute, among others, are also being mentioned as potential candidates.

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