Jang Takes a Step Back... Party Association Direct Election System to Be Introduced in Stages

Direct Election System to Be Implemented First in 34 Associations With Vacant Chairs
Party Member Evaluation to Be Incorporated in Regular Audits for Other Associations
Concerns Rise Over Potential Conflict From Party Affairs Audits

The People Power Party announced on the 31st that it would implement, in stages, the 'Direct Election for Party Chapter Heads by Party Members', a reform initiative led by party leader Jang Donghyuk. As a first step, this system will apply only to party chapters where the head position is currently vacant. This decision represents a step back in the face of strong opposition from incumbent National Assembly members.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and Jeong Jeomsik, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 31st.

Jeong Heeyong, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, spoke to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning. He stated, "We initially considered the full implementation of the direct election system for selecting party chapter heads. However, after reviewing recent intra-party opinions, including those from the party caucus, we have decided to introduce the direct election system in two phases."

Previously, Leader Jang had proposed that all party chapter heads resign en masse and be re-elected through a party member vote. However, the decision was repeatedly postponed due to opposition from the parliamentary wing, who argued that "focusing on internal change now could divide the party when all efforts should be aimed at countering the ruling party."

Accordingly, the People Power Party will conduct an open recruitment process for the head positions in the currently vacant 34 party chapters. If there are two or more qualified applicants, the head will be elected through a direct vote by party members, as a rule. In the second phase, the party will conduct a regular organizational review, during which 50% of each chapter head's evaluation will be based on the assessment by party members. Secretary-General Jeong explained that "party chapters ranked in the lower tier from this review will become subject to replacement. If there are two or more applicants for a replacement chapter, the direct election system among party members will apply."

Chief Spokesperson Park Sunghoon commented, "This is a necessary step to build a party oriented around its members and strong enough to contest the ruling party." However, as the party maintains a firm commitment to personnel reform, conflicts may flare up again. Supreme Council member Woo Jaejoon told reporters that "the timing of the organizational review could become an issue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.