The Democratic Party of Korea Central Party Election Commission said ahead of the Aug. 17 national convention to elect the next leadership that "overheating is intensifying" and it would "respond immediately and sternly to illegal campaign activities and acts that obstruct the election that damage the party's honor."
On the 6th afternoon, the Democratic Party issued a statement in the name of Central Party Election Commission Chairperson So Byung-hoon and moved to strengthen oversight of the overheated convention atmosphere. Chairperson So said, "There have been successive violations of campaign rules, such as disturbances in and around the joint speech venues and risks of clashes among supporters," calling them "very dangerous acts that cause internal division and tarnish the party's image." He added, "The party's festival to elect new leadership must not become a nuisance to the public and local residents."
He also said the party would "immediately and sternly sanction illegal campaign activities and acts that obstruct the election," adding, "If unauthorized campaigning or acts of obstruction occur during the primary process, including upcoming joint speeches, we will verify the facts according to procedure and take immediate and strong punitive measures."
He added that "even after the convention ends, we will hold them accountable to the end and impose strict discipline," calling election obstruction and illegal campaigning "clear acts against the party."
The Democratic Party will hold joint speeches in Jeju and Incheon on the 8th, then move to Daegu, North Gyeongsang, and Gangwon on the 9th to continue the schedule. With primaries in Honam and the greater Seoul area, where more than 30% of dues-paying members are concentrated, set for the 15th and 16th, some expect overheating, including clashes among supporters, to likely continue.