The Democratic Party of Korea approved a party constitution amendment that exempts, only for the Aug. 17 convention, deadlines for procedures needed to prepare the convention, entering a full-fledged convention phase. The convention preparation committee, which will decide primary rules and more, is expected to be formed on the 26th.
On the 16th, the Democratic Party convened the central committee and approved both the agenda item on the 2025 central party income and expenditure settlement of account review and resolution, and two party constitution amendments.
One amendment creates an additional provision in the party constitution granting special exceptions to those who contributed to the June 3 local election victory, exempting them from deductions in future nominations even if they are subject to primary deductions. Another amendment, given that the convention is set for Aug. 17, establishes an additional provision that will not apply, this time, the deadlines for forming the convention preparation committee and deciding the selection method.
The proposal to add an additional provision to the party constitution on special exceptions for nomination deduction passed the central committee with 436 of 545 members attending, 363 in favor (83.26%) and 73 against (16.74%). The amendment exempting the convention-related deadlines was approved with 436 members attending, 368 in favor (84.40%) and 68 against (15.60%).
After announcing the central committee results, Jo Seoung-lae, the Democratic Party secretary-general, said, "We plan to establish and constitute the convention preparation committee on the 26th, and after the supreme council discusses its composition, it will be reported to the party affairs committee and, if approved, the committee will be established," adding, "The convention will be held on Aug. 17 in Daejeon."
He added, "If there are three or more candidates for party leader and a sole majority is not met, a runoff will be held," and said, "Applications for party leader and supreme council candidate registration will be accepted between July 16 and 17. The chair of the convention preparation committee needs to be discussed."