MDP to vote on split leadership

The special reform committee within the governing Millennium Democratic Party on Tuesday proposed new party statutes that would bar the nation's president from heading the party at the same time. The committee also agreed to hold separate elections for the party's presidential nominee and the party leadership.

If the proposal is approved at the party's general meeting, ruling party presidential hopefuls will not be able to run in elections for party leadership posts. Hahn Hwa-kap, a senior party official and presidential hopeful, vociferously opposed the plan, saying that it violates the right of citizens to elect and to be elected government officials.

Representative Kim Min-seok, who sits on the committee, said most party members agree that the presidential nominee and the party's chairman should be two different persons. He said the nominee would have full authority to supervise the organization and finances of the party's election headquarters during the campaign period.

Mr. Kim added that the party has not decided whether to hold the two elections at the same time or on separate occasions.

Political analysts are concerned that the power struggle between the governing party's presidential nominee and its chairman could intensify if a distinction is made between the two positions. They also said the party chairmanship could deteriorate in prestige due to the measures.

A committee official said party members dropping out of the nomination race would naturally choose to run for the party chairmanship. Mr. Kim said the committee's intention is to introduce more democracy in party governance.

Representative Moon Hee-sang, who belong to the faction led by Mr. Hahn, echoed the complaint about infringement on electoral rights, and said he suspected a plot by those who are not running for nomination to take over the party. Political analysts predicted that the split between Mr. Hahn and the committee would deepen.

Rhee In-je, also a presidential contender and senior adviser of the party, said he would respect the committee's decision.

by Kim Chong-hyuk