Dispute over voting rules erupts in Democratic Party ahead of leadership election

A fierce debate over voting rules has erupted within the Democratic Party ahead of its August 17 leadership convention, as factions clash over whether to grant additional voting opportunities to party members who missed the primary.

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This is a 'voting coup.' There has never been an election like this in any country or in history.

The controversy centers on a proposal by some candidates aligned with party leader Lee Jae-myung to allow members who did not cast ballots to vote later. This move is strongly opposed by candidates supporting Chung Jin-suk, who has labeled the proposal a "voting coup." Chung argued that such a measure is unprecedented and that abstaining from voting is also a form of expressing one's will.

However, Song Young-gil, another leadership candidate, suggested that giving unvoted members a final chance to participate could be positively considered, though he deemed the "coup" description inappropriate. Kim Min-seok, a third candidate, has consistently emphasized the importance of 100% party member participation and encouraged voting.

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The expression 'coup' is not appropriate. It can be positively considered to give one more chance to those who haven't voted.

The conflict intensifies as the election for five supreme council seats is underway. The pro-Lee faction, with more candidates, aims to boost overall turnout to overcome the support base of the more consolidated pro-Chung faction. They also criticize the timing of regional votes, which concluded before joint rallies, arguing it limits members' ability to make informed decisions. Some candidates propose allowing votes until the convention date, even after regional contests, mirroring the primary's structure where rallies preceded voting. Despite these calls, the election management committee has stated that the rules, set before candidate registration, apply equally to all and changing them would undermine fairness.

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The election methods and schedule are decided before candidate registration, and they apply equally to all candidates. If this principle is shaken, the fairness of the election collapses.