Seoul: PPP presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo has vowed to implement measures ensuring the separation of presidential influence from party operations. In a statement made during his visit to Okcheon, Kim emphasized the importance of eliminating a president-centric relationship within the People Power Party (PPP).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim highlighted the detrimental effects of presidential involvement in party affairs, citing past conflicts under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim stressed that presidential interference in election candidate nominations undermines party autonomy and democracy, creating internal friction.
Kim outlined three key principles for the PPP constitution aimed at fostering cooperation while maintaining separation between the government and the party. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy on internal factions and pledged to ensure all party affairs are conducted independently, in line with the party's constitution and regulations.
Urging supporters to participate in early voting, Kim addressed concerns among conservative voters regarding the system's susceptibility to rigging. He assured voters of the PPP's commitment to monitoring the process and encouraged participation without reservations.
Additionally, Kim expressed intentions to merge candidacies with New Reform Party (NRP) candidate Lee Jun-seok for the upcoming June 3 election. Despite a missed deadline for ballot changes, Kim remains hopeful about unifying their efforts to strengthen the conservative bloc against Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung.
The PPP sees a merger as a strategic move to enhance their chances in the election, with recent polls showing a decrease in Lee Jae-myung's lead. Kim Moon-soo and Lee Jun-seok's combined efforts are anticipated to consolidate conservative support.