The People Power Party is once again showing signs of division a day before electing a new leader. With candidates Kim Moon-soo, classified as a 'anti-impeachment' runner, and Jang Dong-hyuk facing off, they are creating distinctions through different approaches in the runoff. Candidate Kim is highlighting inclusiveness toward the pro-impeachment faction, while Candidate Jang is emphasizing clarity through the consolidation of the anti-impeachment camp.
According to the political sphere on the 25th, the People Power Party will announce the results of the runoff vote between Candidates Kim and Jang on the 26th. The People Power Party conducted mobile (online) voting for responsible party members on the 24th and an automated response survey (ARS) vote on the same day. During this period, public opinion polling among general citizens will also take place simultaneously. The runoff vote will apply the same ratio as the main election, with 80% from responsible party members and 20% from the general public.
Both candidates were classified as anti-impeachment figures during the primary process. Candidate Kim stated during a broadcast debate on the 10th that 'martial law is one of the president's powers,' in relation to the state of emergency declared by former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Throughout the primary process, Candidate Jang criticized the pro-impeachment faction while defending former President Yoon, stating, 'The president is also one of the people.'
However, when the runoff voting began, Candidates Kim and Jang revealed their differences. Candidate Kim met with Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate previously associated with the pro-impeachment camp, on the 23rd. Moreover, during the runoff debate, he expressed his intention to nominate Han Dong-hoon, a former representative, for the by-election next year, praising him as 'an asset' of the party. This is interpreted as a strategy to expand his appeal to pro-impeachment supporters and gather the drifting votes in the runoff.
There is a favorable atmosphere among pro-impeachment supporters and close allies in response to Candidate Kim's coalition moves. Former Candidate Han posted on his Facebook, saying, 'Please actively vote in the party leader runoff to help the People Power Party avoid the worst,' lending support to Candidate Kim. A close ally of Han also remarked, 'Based on his previous statements, it seems that Candidate Kim is at an advantage.'
Candidate Jang is entering the runoff while reinforcing the separation from pro-impeachment supporters and the integration of anti-impeachment forces. On this day, Jang appeared on Channel A, stating, 'A single enemy inside is far more dangerous than 50 enemies outside,' and added, 'Even though I debated with lawmaker Jo Kyung-tae, we could not reach any agreement. We need to make decisions on such individuals for the party to move in one direction.'
Candidate Jang was an ally of the pro-impeachment faction until the impeachment of former President Yoon but has become a notable anti-impeachment figure recently. There is a risk of being criticized for a potential political identity crisis. In response, Candidate Jang is employing a strategy to further emphasize anti-impeachment clarity in the runoff to demonstrate sincerity. It is also expected to help secure the 'home votes' from those who voted for him in the primary.
Regarding the People Power Party's leader runoff, the mobile voting rate the previous day was 39.75%, which was 2.24 percentage points higher than during the primary election. However, lawmakers are wary of analyzing which candidate might be more advantageous until the day before the results are announced. There are also concerns that factional conflicts within the party may persist even after this conference.
A member of the People Power Party noted, 'It's difficult to accurately say which candidate has the advantage based on their runoff strategies and voting rates,' and added, 'Once a new party leadership is elected, we must properly conduct our struggles against the opposition, but there are voices of concern about potential internal conflicts arising again.'