Reformists of the Unified Progressive Party on Thursday failed to oust Reps. Lee Seok-ki and Kim Jae-yeon, the two key figures of the in-party vote-rigging scandal.

Floor leader Rep. Sim Sang-jeung offered to resign after the proposed expulsion failed to pass a vote by lawmakers.

“The expulsion of the two lawmakers was voted down as it failed to reach a majority,” said spokesperson Rep. Park Won-suk.

Expelling a lawmaker from a party requires the approval of a majority of fellow legislators. Of 13 UPP lawmakers, seven participated in the vote. Six supported it and one abstained.

The floor leadership has decided to step down, taking responsibility for the result, Park said.

Rep. Sim earlier pledged to have the scandalous duo kicked out and realign the party in preparation to the upcoming presidential election.

The leftist party’s meeting kicked off at 8 a.m. It extended until late afternoon due to heated discussions among the five reformists, six former mainstreamers including Lee and Kim, and two centrists.

The six did not vote. Lee and Kim earlier boycotted party meetings, accusing the leadership of holding a show trial.

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