Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Court Honam Voters Under New Election System

Democratic Party leadership hopefuls are intensifying their efforts to win over voters in the Honam region, a traditional stronghold of the party. This strategic focus stems from the upcoming August 17 party convention, which will for the first time implement a 'one person, one vote' system, equalizing the voting power of delegates and general party members. With the Honam region boasting a significant concentration of party members, their support is seen as pivotal.

Kim Min-seok, a former Minister of Culture, officially declared his candidacy for party leader on July 6 after visiting the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju. He inscribed 'Kim Min-seok, Candidate for Democratic Party Leader' in the cemetery's guestbook. Prior to this, Jeong Cheong-rae, a former party leader and a strong contender, also paid his respects at the 5·18 cemetery on July 3, expressing his commitment to being a faithful servant of democracy.

Song Young-gil, another prominent candidate, visited the same cemetery on July 7, shortly after his victory in a by-election. The increased importance of the Honam vote is a direct consequence of the new voting system. Previously, a delegate's vote was equivalent to 17 party members' votes. Now, with equal weighting, candidates must engage directly with regional party members through grassroots efforts and social media, rather than relying solely on established figures like incumbent lawmakers or local government heads.

A party official noted that while candidates are currently prioritizing the Honam region, where over a third of party members are concentrated, they are expected to subsequently shift their focus to the Seoul metropolitan area, which has the second-largest number of party members. This strategic outreach aims to build a strong base of support across key regions as the leadership race intensifies.

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I will become a faithful worker who continues the relay of democracy, not someone who is ashamed of the spirits of the 5.18 Gwangju democracy martyrs.