Cho Seung-rae, a lawmaker and former Secretary General of the Democratic Party, criticized proposals for additional voting related to the party's upcoming 8.17 convention on August 4. He stated that these proposals appear to be raised systematically due to political and electoral interests, which he believes undermines the established rules.
In a Facebook post, Cho highlighted concerns regarding the preferential voting system, exceptions to candidacy qualifications, objections to the schedule and location of the convention, and demands for additional voting, labeling them as unfair. His comments seem to target candidates aligned with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction.
Some analysts have suggested that the preferential voting system may benefit pro-Lee Jae-myung lawmakers, while candidates Song Young-gil and Kim Yong received exceptions to maintain their candidacy qualifications. Additionally, pro-Lee candidates have raised objections to the convention schedule starting in the Chungcheong region, which is Song's hometown.
Recently, pro-Lee lawmakers have criticized the current voting system, which they describe as 'blind voting,' arguing that it allows member voting to conclude before joint speeches in each region. They are calling for additional voting opportunities for party members who did not participate in the initial vote.
In response, Cho emphasized that elections fundamentally involve electing representatives through the delegation of sovereignty from the public and party members. He asserted that the process must adhere to pre-established procedures and methods to maintain its integrity.
He further remarked, 'While the justification for additional voting is to increase participation, the essence of it is an act that tramples on the sovereignty of party members.' Cho also noted that party members will remember who made decisions regarding the principles governing the upcoming party leader election and internal congressional primaries, as well as whether the preferential voting system will be applied in future elections.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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