Reform Party Codifies Ban on Leaders Running for Proportional-Representation Seats in Party Rules

Approved at the emergency committee meeting on October 15.

The Reform Party has incorporated into its party rules a ban on former and current party leaders running for proportional representation seats and on forming proportional representation satellite parties. The move aims to institutionalize the core principles of its reform plan, announced in September, and establish a new political norm.

Lee Kiin, chair of the Reform Party's emergency committee, said the committee approved the proposed revisions to the party rules at its meeting on October 15.

Lee said, "Those who founded and led the party will seek direct votes from voters in constituency races. We promise to open opportunities for proportional representation to new talent and not resort to the expedient of forming satellite parties to win more seats."

He added, "We are enshrining this in the party rules now so that we cannot change our position based on political advantage or disadvantage as an election approaches."

Lee Kiin, chair of the Reform Party's emergency committee, announces the party's reform plan at the National Assembly on the 17th. 2026.09.17 Photo by Yoon Dongju

Lee also discussed the limitations and potential of third parties in South Korea's political landscape. "The United Liberal Democrats, the Unification National Party and the People's Party once won substantial numbers of seats and considerable support, but they did not achieve independent, sustained growth," he said. "There is no reason to accept their outcomes as our fate."

He continued, "We will uphold our principles even when our respective interests are at stake. We will build trust in local communities and demonstrate our achievements in the next election."

Last month, the Reform Party's emergency committee announced a reform plan designating southern Gyeonggi Province as a strategic base for the next general election and urged incumbent proportional representation lawmakers to run in the region.

However, as floor leader Cheon Haram remains determined to run in his constituency of Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, discussions within the party over where candidates will run are expected to continue.

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