The Korea Herald

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DUP to use mobile vote in nominations

By Korea Herald

Published : Feb. 6, 2012 - 17:12

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The main opposition Democratic United Party once again decided to introduce a mobile voting system in selecting its candidates for the upcoming April general elections.

The decision was made by the party’s Supreme Council and executive committee on Monday, according to officials.

The left-wing’s mobile voting has so far proved to be influential, especially in the candidate unification for last year’s Seoul mayoral by-election and the recent party leadership election.

Over 640,000 citizens unaffiliated with the party registered as voters in the party’s national convention last month, in which chairwoman Han Myeong-sook and five other councilors were elected.

Leading parties have recently been poised to promote citizens’ political participation and to gain back their lost credit.

“The high participation rate does not only indicate the citizens’ enthusiasm in the DUP’s policies, but will also foster the public’s general interest in the upcoming races,” said a party spokesperson.

Observers pointed out that the citizen participation could prevent in-party vote-buying attempts, which emerged as a controversial issue within political circles earlier this year.

On the other hand, the ruling party, which recently changed its name to the Saenuri Party from the Grand National Party, placed its focus on introducing non-party figures in its interim leadership council and nomination screening committee.

DUP chairwoman Han urged parliament to revise the current public election law as to adopt the mobile system, while blaming the ruling party for responding passively.

“Mobile voting is the only way to put an end to old practices and to reform politics,” said Han.

“The ruling party, by ignoring our calls, is in fact turning its back on the people and their demands.”

She urged the rival party to comply with the revision within the month.

The DUP will also seek ways to introduce the mobile system in the current legal frame, in case the National Assembly fails to pass the revision in time, officials said.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)