The Democratic Party of Korea decided to minimize the number of incumbent lawmakers and regional chapter heads on the city and provincial party candidate recommendation committees ahead of the local elections in June. The move appears to take into account allegations of nomination bribes centered on lawmaker Kang Sun-woo, who left the party earlier.
Park Soo-hyun, the Democratic Party chief spokesperson, said after a closed Supreme Council meeting held at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 28th that the party approved an agenda on forming the city and provincial party candidate recommendation committees reflecting this plan.
Park said, "In the past, the city and provincial party committees had regional chapter heads, including incumbent lawmakers, making up more than half, and it would not be an exaggeration to say the remaining outside members were a mere formality," and added, "This time, the committees were formed as objective and neutral bodies by largely excluding incumbent lawmakers and regional chapter heads and filling them with outside members."
He added, "In past nominations, some things happened outside the system, and we feel a very grave sense of responsibility for matters that authorities are currently investigating," and emphasized, "Since Jung Chung-rae took office as party leader, we have maintained that transparent and fair nominations are the key to winning this local election and have shown strong resolve."
The Democratic Party decided to preserve records covering the formation and operation of the committees, as well as meetings and screenings, for up to the next four years. Park said this is "the Democratic Party's ongoing effort for transparent nominations."