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Changnyeong mayoral primary candidates question why the nomination policy doesn’t apply to their race; incidents in Uiryeong, Haman and Changnyeong raise fairness concernsCandidates warn of legal action if nominations are unfair; Nomination Committee’s pledge of objective procedures faces credibility questions
The People Power Party’s Gyeongnam Provincial Nomination Management Committee has stirred controversy among local voters with a recently announced nomination policy.
In its third press release on April 4, the committee said it would hold preliminary primaries among non-incumbent candidates in designated districts. The preliminary winner would then face the incumbent local chief in a final head-to-head to determine the party nominee.
Changnyeong’s mayoral hopefuls say they do not understand why this policy would not apply to their contest.
They also question whether the situations in Uiryeong, Haman and Changnyeong—excluding Miryang—are consistent with the fairness and common-sense standards the party claims to uphold.
The three candidates highlighted a range of allegations: that during the major Eulji military exercise, an official left for personal reasons to take a first‑class park golf exam and used their position to mistreat subordinates; that there are prior alcohol-related convictions; that fines were imposed over certain donation practices; and that Changnyeong County contributed ₩40,000,000 (about $30,000) to sponsor an art exhibition by a Buddhist monk who is Rep. Park Sang-woong’s cousin.
Despite these allegations, the candidates say the party conducted a poll of 600 party members and 600 general voters through the 5th and then rushed the nomination on the 6th. They called that timeline inconsistent with public sentiment and said they would challenge it vigorously.
The candidates warned that if the party ignores its “five disqualification criteria,” proceeds with a nomination that runs counter to public sentiment, and opens the door to conflicts of interest or favoritism, local party members and voters will view Rep. Park Sang-woong as having broken faith with them—and they will pursue legal action, labeling the nomination unfair.
The Gyeongnam Provincial Nomination Management Committee said it will continue to identify capable candidates who meet residents’ expectations through objective, trustworthy procedures.
Nonetheless, critics question whether a process in which Rep. Park Sang-woong plays a direct role in evaluating candidates in his district can really deliver an objective, trustworthy nomination.
They ask who is betraying the promise to hold candidates to standards “beyond public expectations,” and whether the party is instead rewarding “the comforts of hospitality and cozy deals.”
Public sentiment suggests that if the controversy continues, the People Power Party risks losing support nationwide and could be vulnerable in the June 3 election.
The dispute signals that the party could lose local voters’ trust if it fails to ensure fairness and transparency.
Gyeongnam = Reporter An Byung-gon anbk5566@viva100.com
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