The People Power Party canceled the candidacy of Kim Moon-soo, who was elected as the presidential candidate at the 5·3 national convention, and on the 10th began the re-election process for the independent candidate Han Duck-soo's party admission and candidate registration. It is unprecedented in the history of political parties to replace a candidate elected at a national convention through additional procedures after a competition.
The People Power Party began the re-election process for the presidential candidate around midnight that day in the National Assembly. It plans to alternate between meetings of its decision-making bodies, the emergency response committee and the election commission, to discuss agenda items.
Spokesperson Shin Dong-uk met with reporters and noted, "We will complete the cancellation of Kim Moon-soo's candidacy and the registration of a new candidate by tonight."
Specifically, after the emergency response committee passes a resolution regarding the request for reviewing the presidential candidate selection process, the election commission will proceed by passing resolutions in order regarding the cancellation of the candidacy of Kim Moon-soo and the review and drafting of a new presidential candidate selection process. Following that, there will be procedures for approving Han's admission and the review of candidate registration documents.
The People Power Party moved to cancel Kim's candidacy based on Article 74-2 of its party constitution. This provision states that when there is 'significant reason,' matters related to the selection of a presidential candidate shall be determined by the deliberation of the election commission and the resolution of the emergency response committee. The issue of Kim's trust was cited as a significant reason. Additionally, competitiveness surveys between the two candidates and public opinion polls for unification were cited as justification for changing the candidate.
Shin noted, "Kim's promise to unify with Han is a commitment to the people," emphasizing that it was a trust issue that must be maintained as a presidential candidate. He stated that there was an inquiry into the intentions of both candidates regarding unification, and mentioned that although he could not provide figures, they have conducted a survey on the competitiveness of both candidates, which served as a basis for initiating the re-election process.
Afterward, a vote of approval and disapproval will be conducted among all party members to establish democratic legitimacy. It is reported that the wording will include a query on whether they agree to select Han Duck-soo as the party's candidate. The approval rate among those who vote must exceed 50%. If a majority agreement is obtained during the emergency response committee's decision and the national committee convened on the 11th regarding the 're-election of the candidate,' the process will be finalized.
Meanwhile, prior to starting the re-election process, the People Power Party held a late-night general assembly of lawmakers. With a majority in favor, excluding 2 opposing members among the 64 attending, they delegated the 'unification issue' to the leadership. At the time of the general assembly, agents of the two candidates attempted negotiations twice, but failed to narrow their differences regarding the introduction of measures to prevent reverse selection in opinion polls, ultimately resulting in a breakdown of talks.