MDP head pushes idea of a new political party

Hahn Hwa-kap, chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party, said Tuesday that he and the party's presidential candidate, Roh Moo-hyun, should resign from their party positions after the Aug. 8 by-elections and start a new political party. The two men are divided, however, on the shape that party should take.

Political observers say that MDP members are desperately seeking to boost their popularity, which has plummeted in recent polls because of its association with scandals that have tarnished the Kim administration's popularity. They want to form a new party that embraces high-profile figures outside the MDP, revamp the present leadership and sever all ties with the Blue House.

"Mr. Roh had asked me to speak in public about the new party after the by-elections, but I think the MDP would have a better chance of winning the elections if it shows a will to change before the by-elections," Mr. Hahn said.

Political observers expect a split in the MDP among Mr. Hahn's and Mr. Roh's supporters. While Mr. Roh wants to establish a new party under his leadership and candidacy, Mr. Hahn wants to start fresh with a new vote for the party's presidential candidate after a new party is organized. Mr. Hahn may hope to attract members of a smaller MDP faction that has demanded a new vote for a nominee. They favor replacing Mr. Roh with Representative Park Geun-hye or Representative Chung Mong-joon, neither of whom is an MDP member.

But party sources believe it is too early to predict if Mr. Hahn will break from Mr. Roh. He reportedly spoke with many MDP lawmakers and concluded that the party could never win the election if the MDP is split.

Mr. Hahn repeated his intention to revamp the party leadership at a meeting with reporters. He added that he would meet with Park Sang-cheon and Supreme Council member Chung Kyun-hwan, representatives from the MDP dissident faction.

Mr. Roh said the party should focus on winning the Aug. 8 by-elections and keep differences about the organization of a new party and constitutional amendments from dividing the MDP.

"I have said on many occasions that I will accept the suggestion to hold a runoff for a more eligible person for the party to win the presidential election in December," Mr. Roh said. "I will not withdraw my presidential candidacy, and if a new party is established it should be under the leadership of Roh Moo-hyun."

by Kim Chong-hyuk