GNP mulls open primary system

Experts say number of issues remain to ensure smooth implementation


The ruling Grand National Party is considering introducing an “open primary” system that would allow citizens to participate in nominating its candidates for next April’s parliamentary elections.

The party believes that by allowing citizens to play a crucial role in the process, the system could help bring back public interest and shore up voter support.

The idea has been raised as the GNP is accelerating reform efforts to regain public trust ahead of next year’s general and presidential elections. For the party, reform is an urgent task to overcome public disenchantment with established politicians.

Despite its benefits for the some officials within the governing party have raised concerns over problems including legal issues and those concerning its implementation.

GNP floor leader Rep. Hwang Woo-yea said that if possible, both the ruling and opposition parties should consider the system under a bipartisan agreement given that the system would invite citizens regardless of which party they support.

“We should move toward the system inviting citizens as the nomination process is to find exactly who has the favor of the citizenry,” Hwang said in a meeting with reporters.

The nomination issue has always been a sensitive one with many calling for a change. The party leadership has so far led the nomination process, often triggering factional fights and corruptive practices in some cases.

Reformist GNP members are particularly in favor of the system.

“The nomination process we used in the past elections is outdated now when citizens are active in their political participation,” Rep. Nam Kyung-pil told media. “The party can pick three candidates for one spot, and the right to select one of them should be given back to citizens through the open primary system.”

Although many concurred with the need for reform in the nomination process, some party officials say that it would be difficult to pick all of the candidates through the primary.

They referred to the case, in which they have to field strong candidates in strategically important districts that pit its candidates against powerful ones from its rival party. Another case is when a district draws only political rookies that have lower chances of winning.

Analysts also say that in the GNP strongholds ― the southeastern Gyeongsang region and Seoul’s affluent district of Gangnam, it would be better not to pick candidates through the primary as there are clear candidates favored by them.

Floor leader Hwang also cautioned that the citizens should carefully consider the “age balance” should they participate in the nomination process.

“The National Assembly should see a balance of experience and freshness. There needs to be a serious consideration about that,” Hwang told reporters.

Regarding candidates for the proportional representation seats, Hwang said, “We have so far focused on professionalism and expertise, but we should pick those who represent various age groups.”

Political experts also pointed out that there are other issues that need to be addressed.

One is concerning the date of the primaries for the ruling and opposition parties. When they are held separately, the possibility is a citizen in support of a party can participate in its rival party’s primary and vote for a weak candidate to boost the prospect for his or her party.

Another issue is the possibility of contravening the election law as the citizens’ participation in the primary can be interpreted as part of election campaigns that should not start until an official campaign period.

There could also be problems when those running in the primary raise unexpected issues of irregularities and refuse to accept the primary result.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)