South Korea's Democratic Party Faces 'Rule War' Over Voting System

The Democratic Party of Korea is embroiled in a conflict over the adoption of a preference-voting system ahead of its upcoming leadership election ^[1].

The dispute, described as a "rule war," centers on how the party will select its next leader. The outcome will determine whether the party maintains a traditional majority requirement or shifts toward a system that allows a winner to be declared without an absolute majority ^[2].

The party's convention preparation committee decided to implement the preference-voting system as the method for runoff elections ^[1]. Under this new rule, a winner can be determined on the day of the election even if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote ^[1]. This shift has intensified friction between internal factions, as different voting mechanisms can significantly alter which candidate holds the advantage.

Official candidate registration begins this Thursday ^[1]. Several figures have already entered the race, including former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Reps. Song Young-gil and Ko Min-jung ^[1]. Additionally, former leader Jung Chung-rae is expected to announce his candidacy on July 13 ^[2].

The leadership contest is scheduled for Aug. 17 ^[1]. While the Democratic Party struggles with its internal rules, the rival People Power Party is also facing its own set of internal tensions described as a struggle over party direction ^[2].

Both major parties are navigating these internal crises as they prepare for the convention cycle. The tension in the Democratic Party highlights a broader struggle to balance factional interests through the modification of electoral rules ^[2].