People Power Party Finalizes Presidential Candidate Selection Method: 3 Rounds of Primaries

People Power Party (PPP) Decides on Presidential Candidate Selection Process

The People Power Party (국민의힘, Gukminuihim), a major political party in South Korea, has finalized its method for selecting its presidential candidate through a series of three primary elections. This decision was made at a meeting of the party’s emergency steering committee on October 10th. The goal is to narrow down the field of candidates in stages, ultimately choosing the individual who will represent the party in the upcoming presidential election. 🗳️

Key Details of the Selection Process

• 1st Primary: The initial round will use 100% public opinion polls (민심, minsim) to narrow the field down to the top four candidates.
• 2nd Primary: The second round will weigh 50% party member votes (당심, dangsim) and 50% public opinion polls to select the top two candidates.
• 3rd Primary: The final round will again use a 50/50 split between party member votes and public opinion polls to determine the ultimate candidate.

According to Lee Yang-soo, the PPP’s Secretary-General, this approach balances the need to reflect public sentiment with the importance of party member input. He emphasized that the first primary’s reliance on public opinion aims to attract candidates who resonate with the broader electorate. ⚖️

Additional Points

• Bypass Option: If a candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the first primary, the second primary will be skipped.
• Preventing Reverse Selection: All polls will include measures to prevent “reverse selection,” where supporters of opposing parties try to influence the outcome.
• National Convention Date: The national convention to formally announce the candidate is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. 🗓️
• Expanded Voter Base: The party has expanded the voter base to include not only dedicated party members but also those who have paid party dues at least once within the last year.

The PPP aims to generate significant public interest in the selection process through these primaries. With candidate registration set for October 14th and 15th, the party is gearing up for a dynamic and closely watched race. 🇰🇷

Note: 민심 (minsim) refers to public sentiment or popular opinion, and 당심 (dangsim) refers to the sentiment or opinion of party members.