Synopsis
On April 15, the People Power Party (PPP) announced that eleven candidates have registered for its presidential primary ahead of the June 3 election. Prominent figures include former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo and ex-PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon, while the Democratic Party (DP) has three contenders. The election follows the ousting of Yoon Suk Yeol.Key Takeaways
- Eleven candidates registered for the PPP primary.
- Notable contenders include Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon.
- Han Duck-soo did not register amid speculation.
- PPP will finalize its nominee by May 3.
- June 3 is set for the presidential election.
Seoul, April 15 (NationPress) A total of eleven candidates have officially registered to participate in the primary election of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) for the upcoming presidential election on June 3, the party announced on Tuesday, marking the end of the two-day registration window.
Prominent candidates include former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo, ex-PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon, and current PPP lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won. Additionally, former Mayor of Daegu, Hong Joon-pyo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheol-woo are also in the race.
Despite ongoing speculation regarding a potential candidacy, South Korean Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo did not register, as confirmed by the party's floor leader.
The PPP's election committee will evaluate the submissions and disclose the list of candidates moving on to the first round of the primary on Wednesday, with the aim of finalizing the party's nominee by May 3.
Meanwhile, three individuals also registered for the liberal Democratic Party (DP) primary during its single-day registration on Tuesday, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
The DP confirmed that the three candidates are former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, ex-South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The party aims to finalize its presidential nominee by April 27.
The South Korean government has set June 3 as the date for the next presidential election following the removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon due to his brief declaration of martial law in December.
According to the Constitution, a new election must be held within 60 days following a vacancy in the presidency.
Additionally, June 3 has been designated as a temporary public holiday.
The National Election Commission initiated early candidate registration shortly after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday.
Candidates must complete their registration by May 11, with the official campaign period beginning on May 12.
The law mandates that public servants running for President resign at least 30 days prior to the election, establishing May 4 as the deadline.
The new President will take office immediately following the election without a transition team.
