Former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook said on the 23rd that, regarding the People Power Party cutting her off (excluding her from nomination) in the Daegu mayoral nomination, "I strongly demand that the nomination committee reconsider this cut-off decision."
Lee, the former Chairperson, held a press conference at the People Power Party Daegu City Chapter on the morning of the same day and stated accordingly, "The flower of democracy is elections, and a fair primary is a basic premise for democratic elections." Earlier, the People Power Party nomination committee cut off three people in relation to the Daegu mayoral nomination the previous day: the former Chairperson Lee; National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young; and Kim Han-gu, former auditor of the Dalseong County Saemaeul Association.
The former Chairperson said, "In the four rounds that included me, I ranked first by an overwhelming margin every time. Why was such a candidate cut off? In a public opinion poll released three days ago, I recorded 28.2% support within the party, taking first place with an overwhelming lead of more than 15 percentage points (p) over the second-place candidate (9.5%)," and added, "Is excluding such a candidate from the primary really the innovative nomination the party talks about?"
She went on, "I said I support any form of primary, but the nomination committee cut me without even giving me a chance to run. This is improper interference," adding, "Daegu citizens lost the opportunity to choose. (The nomination committee's decision means) Daegu citizens must pick the person supposedly decided in the center."
She continued, "The nomination committee must explain the reasons for my cut-off in a way that makes sense. There must be a convincing reason to cut me, who enjoys overwhelming support and the backing of citizens," and emphasized, "If the nomination committee does not decide to reconsider, not only I but also Daegu citizens will not let it go."