[News Today] DP unveils picks for Gyeonggi by-election

[LEAD]

The lineup for the June 3 parliamentary by-elections, often dubbed a 'mini general election', is quickly taking shape. The Democratic Party has finalized its nominations in Gyeonggi-do Province after a complex selection process.

And Presidential Secretary for AI Ha Jung-woo is all but set to enter the race in Busan Buk-gap, where former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon is already running.

[REPORT]

Move quickly before interferences get louder.

The ruling Democratic Party has finalized its nominations for the parliamentary by-elections in Gyeonggi-do Province.

Lee Kwang-jae, a confidant of former President Moon Jae-in, will run in Gyeonggi Hanam-gap, and former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam, who hails from a conservative party, in Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek-eul.

Party spokesperson Kim Nam-kuk, who is close to President Lee Jae Myung, has been strategically nominated to Ansan-gap, as he hoped for.

Former Institute for Democracy deputy director Kim Yong, a close aide to the president, was deemed ineligible for nomination due to his trial on charges of receiving illegal political funds.

Jo Seoung-lae / Secretary general, DP

We comprehensively reviewed the impact on local and by-elections and decided it’s best not to nominate him.

With this, the lineup for Pyeongtaek-eul is complete for now, signaling at least a five-way race.

The Reform Party has also said it will field a candidate there, making whether the progressive and conservative camps unify their candidates a key variable in the race.

Because unification would require complex calculations involving approval ratings and electoral alliances between parties, political maneuvering is expected to continue for some time.

Yu Eui-dong / PPP Pyeongtaek-eul candidate (Apr. 23 CBS Radio)

We may consider it if needed, but we are not considering a merger for now.

Cho Kuk / RKP Pyeongtaek-eul candidate

Please vote based on who led the way in breaking down vested interests.

Presidential secretary for AI Ha Jung-woo is likely to run in Busan Buk-gap, where former PPP lawmaker Park Min-sik and former party leader Han Dong-hoon are also running.

Candidate unification among conservatives is also seen as a key variable there, but talks over unifying with Han Dong-hoon's camp could deepen internal rifts within the PPP.