Incumbent People Power Party Councilor Joins Rival Camp Amidst Candidate Shortage and Nomination Disputes

The defection of Namyangju City Councilor Lee Kyung-sook from the People Power Party to the Democratic Party, and her subsequent appointment as campaign chief for Democratic mayoral candidate Choi Hyun-deok, signals a turbulent period for the People Power Party in Gyeonggi Province ahead of the local elections. This event underscores a severe candidate recruitment crisis and internal discord plaguing the party.

The People Power Party has repeatedly extended deadlines for candidate applications, particularly for provincial council seats, with over 20 districts still lacking confirmed candidates. This 'hiring difficulty' is particularly acute in single-seat provincial council districts, reflecting a broader weakness in the party's local organization and appeal. The situation is further exacerbated by internal disputes over nominations, with accusations of 'cronyism' and 'backroom deals' leading to resignations and independent candidacies.

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The decision to leave the party I belonged to for a long time was not easy, but my sincerity towards the citizens of Namyangju has not changed. What is more important than a political party is the lives of the citizens.

Lee's departure, along with that of other incumbent councilors who have either resigned or announced independent bids, is a significant blow. Her statement, emphasizing that 'citizens' lives are more important than political parties,' and her endorsement of Choi's administrative expertise and communication skills, represent a stark repudiation of her former party's internal processes. This trend of defections and internal conflict is creating widespread fatigue and disillusionment among party members and voters, potentially jeopardizing the party's chances in the upcoming elections.

From the perspective of The Hankyoreh, this situation is not merely about party politics but reflects a deeper issue of democratic representation and the health of local governance. The internal chaos within the People Power Party raises concerns about its ability to effectively serve the public interest, especially when core issues like candidate selection are mired in controversy and personal allegiances. The focus on 'fair competition' and 'citizen-centric' governance, as expressed by defecting members, highlights a public demand for more transparent and merit-based political processes, a demand that seems to be unmet within the current party structure.

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We are leaving the People Power Party, to which we have been loyal for 23 years, along with over 500 responsible party members.