The Supreme Council of the People Power Party did not finalize discussions on the election method for local committee chairs on August 24, postponing the agenda once again. This follows a previous delay on August 20, when the leadership decided to gather opinions from lawmakers. As opposition among party members intensified, concerns grew within the leadership, including Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader.
The Supreme Council was scheduled to discuss changes to the election method for local committee chairs but opted not to present the agenda, deciding instead to continue discussions at the next Supreme Council meeting on August 27. During this period, Jang plans to gather opinions from party members regarding a direct election method for local committee chairs and seek a reasonable solution.
The decision not to present the agenda is seen as a response to the backlash from party lawmakers. At a general meeting on August 21, members expressed a consensus that the current chair should be elected through the traditional local committee operation, conveying this to the party leadership.
Lawmakers are concerned that a contentious election for local committee chairs could lead to divisions within local organizations and hinder party unity, resulting in what they describe as "subtraction politics." They also warn that adverse effects on local organizations could negatively impact future elections. Some speculate that Jang may be attempting to strengthen his control by filling local organizations with allies.
On August 23, Yoon Sang-hyun, a party lawmaker, stated on Facebook, "If we are to change the method of electing local committee chairs nationwide, we must proceed with caution. The party leader should not only lead those who share his views but must also embrace dissenting voices to guide everyone in a unified direction." Choi Hyung-doo, another lawmaker, added, "Any restructuring of local committee chairs should not disregard the resolutions made at the general meeting. The People Power Party must provide new hope to the public through greater leadership and strive for a unifying leadership approach."
Political observers note that the proposed direct election of local committee chairs is facing significant opposition from incumbent lawmakers. This situation differs from previous instances where the party leadership had disagreements with reformist or pro-Yoon factions. One lawmaker remarked, "While the final decision rests with the Supreme Council, the backlash from lawmakers is quite strong. If they push through, the leadership may struggle to handle the backlash."
Nevertheless, Jang and the party leadership remain committed to promoting a direct election system as part of their transition to a member-centered party. Cho Kwang-han, a Supreme Council member, emphasized on Facebook on August 22 that the direct election system is not about consolidating power but about relinquishing it, stating, "Reform is only possible when one is willing to give up their own interests." Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, also clarified after the Supreme Council meeting that the decision has not been finalized, indicating that the direct election proposal is not being withdrawn or completely re-evaluated.
The Supreme Council was scheduled to discuss changes to the election method for local committee chairs but opted not to present the agenda, deciding instead to continue discussions at the next Supreme Council meeting on August 27. During this period, Jang plans to gather opinions from party members regarding a direct election method for local committee chairs and seek a reasonable solution.
The decision not to present the agenda is seen as a response to the backlash from party lawmakers. At a general meeting on August 21, members expressed a consensus that the current chair should be elected through the traditional local committee operation, conveying this to the party leadership.
Lawmakers are concerned that a contentious election for local committee chairs could lead to divisions within local organizations and hinder party unity, resulting in what they describe as "subtraction politics." They also warn that adverse effects on local organizations could negatively impact future elections. Some speculate that Jang may be attempting to strengthen his control by filling local organizations with allies.
On August 23, Yoon Sang-hyun, a party lawmaker, stated on Facebook, "If we are to change the method of electing local committee chairs nationwide, we must proceed with caution. The party leader should not only lead those who share his views but must also embrace dissenting voices to guide everyone in a unified direction." Choi Hyung-doo, another lawmaker, added, "Any restructuring of local committee chairs should not disregard the resolutions made at the general meeting. The People Power Party must provide new hope to the public through greater leadership and strive for a unifying leadership approach."
Political observers note that the proposed direct election of local committee chairs is facing significant opposition from incumbent lawmakers. This situation differs from previous instances where the party leadership had disagreements with reformist or pro-Yoon factions. One lawmaker remarked, "While the final decision rests with the Supreme Council, the backlash from lawmakers is quite strong. If they push through, the leadership may struggle to handle the backlash."
Nevertheless, Jang and the party leadership remain committed to promoting a direct election system as part of their transition to a member-centered party. Cho Kwang-han, a Supreme Council member, emphasized on Facebook on August 22 that the direct election system is not about consolidating power but about relinquishing it, stating, "Reform is only possible when one is willing to give up their own interests." Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, also clarified after the Supreme Council meeting that the decision has not been finalized, indicating that the direct election proposal is not being withdrawn or completely re-evaluated.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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