The People Power Party is facing internal turmoil over the re-election of local party council chairs. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has expressed a desire to re-elect all local chairs through member voting. However, party lawmakers have largely agreed that it would be better to re-elect the current chairs through the existing operating committee. The matter now rests with the Supreme Council.
According to the party's constitution and regulations, the term of local party chairs ends at the end of August in even-numbered years (Article 26 of the Local Organization Operation Regulations). Article 27 states that local chairs can be elected either by all party members or responsible members in the area, or by the operating committee selecting the current chair. Other methods determined by the Supreme Council are also permissible.
Under these regulations, it has been customary for the operating committee to automatically reappoint the current chair even after their term ends, unless the chair resigns or is recommended for replacement by the party's audit committee.
This issue gained traction after Jang emphasized on August 12 that he would not operate under the assumption that the term of local chairs would automatically extend. This announcement indicated that local party chairs across the country would face elections through member voting.
Political analysts suggest that the position of local party chair is closely tied to the upcoming general election in two years, making the debate intense. It is undeniable that local chairs hold an advantageous position during the nomination process for the general election. Additionally, since local party councils play a crucial role in grassroots politics, there is reluctance to relinquish such significant authority in their districts.
In fact, Jang's proposal for a 'universal re-endorsement vote' has sparked strong opposition within the party. During a recent general meeting, concerns were raised that conducting member voting amid the party's current turmoil could divide the membership. There were also calls to prioritize internal unity to present a united front against the opposition.
One lawmaker noted, "While the final decision rests with the Supreme Council, there is significant backlash from lawmakers. If this is pushed through, the leadership may struggle to manage the fallout." He added, "There are concerns that if current lawmakers lose in the local chair elections, it could weaken their sense of belonging and negatively impact party cohesion."
Supporters of Jang's approach argue that member voting for local chair elections represents a bold relinquishment of power by the party leader. They contend that since the party leader has stepped back from authority, local chairs should also give up their privileges for the sake of party reform. Furthermore, it is argued that since incumbents have a significant advantage in member voting, if they lose, it would indicate a lack of competitiveness in the general election, making a change logical.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party plans to hold a Supreme Council meeting on the 24th to discuss the method for electing local party chairs, whose terms end at the end of this month.
According to the party's constitution and regulations, the term of local party chairs ends at the end of August in even-numbered years (Article 26 of the Local Organization Operation Regulations). Article 27 states that local chairs can be elected either by all party members or responsible members in the area, or by the operating committee selecting the current chair. Other methods determined by the Supreme Council are also permissible.
Under these regulations, it has been customary for the operating committee to automatically reappoint the current chair even after their term ends, unless the chair resigns or is recommended for replacement by the party's audit committee.
This issue gained traction after Jang emphasized on August 12 that he would not operate under the assumption that the term of local chairs would automatically extend. This announcement indicated that local party chairs across the country would face elections through member voting.
Political analysts suggest that the position of local party chair is closely tied to the upcoming general election in two years, making the debate intense. It is undeniable that local chairs hold an advantageous position during the nomination process for the general election. Additionally, since local party councils play a crucial role in grassroots politics, there is reluctance to relinquish such significant authority in their districts.
In fact, Jang's proposal for a 'universal re-endorsement vote' has sparked strong opposition within the party. During a recent general meeting, concerns were raised that conducting member voting amid the party's current turmoil could divide the membership. There were also calls to prioritize internal unity to present a united front against the opposition.
One lawmaker noted, "While the final decision rests with the Supreme Council, there is significant backlash from lawmakers. If this is pushed through, the leadership may struggle to manage the fallout." He added, "There are concerns that if current lawmakers lose in the local chair elections, it could weaken their sense of belonging and negatively impact party cohesion."
Supporters of Jang's approach argue that member voting for local chair elections represents a bold relinquishment of power by the party leader. They contend that since the party leader has stepped back from authority, local chairs should also give up their privileges for the sake of party reform. Furthermore, it is argued that since incumbents have a significant advantage in member voting, if they lose, it would indicate a lack of competitiveness in the general election, making a change logical.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party plans to hold a Supreme Council meeting on the 24th to discuss the method for electing local party chairs, whose terms end at the end of this month.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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