The People Power Party is expected to hold a general meeting of lawmakers as early as the 5th to reach a conclusion on whether to hold a confidence vote on the leadership of Jang Dong-hyeok. There is growing outlook that the likelihood of an actual confidence vote is low. If a confidence vote is not held, the current leadership could stay in place through the June local elections.
The issue of a confidence vote on Jang Dong-hyeok's leadership was raised at the general meeting of lawmakers on the 2nd. Tensions within the party had escalated over the expulsion of former leader Han Dong-hoon. At the meeting, lawmakers aligned with the pro-Han faction pressed Jang to resign, and some junior lawmakers called for a confidence vote.
On this, floor leader Song Eon-seog said a final decision on whether to push for a confidence vote would be made through upcoming general meetings of lawmakers.
For now, projections suggest it is more likely than not that no confidence vote on Jang will be held. At the general meeting on the 2nd, when the issue was raised, sentiment coalesced around the view that it would not be right to test the leadership's confidence ahead of the June local elections.
Even if a vote is held, analysis suggests Jang is likely to win renewed confidence. Given the party membership makeup, Jang's support base is considered solid.
Accordingly, the pro-Han faction is said to be uneasy, given that a confidence vote could strengthen Jang's leadership.
At the general meeting on the 2nd, Jang said, in effect, that "if a police investigation reveals that the disciplinary action against the former leader was wrong, I will also take political responsibility."