Ahn urges his supporters to back opposition presidential candidate

Former independent presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo on Thursday urged his supporters to back the opposition candidate so as to herald the start of a new era in politics and change in government.

Yoo Min-young, Ahn's spokesman, said the entrepreneur-turned-politician has made up his mind to wholeheartedly support Moon.

"Ahn said that he will unconditionally offer assistance and believed that such action would complete the single candidacy process and lead to victory in the polls," the official said.

The spokesman added that the former candidate believed such actions reflected the wishes of the people and that by taking a more active role, he would fulfill his pledge to help the liberal camp.

The 50-year-old Ahn abruptly quit the race on Nov. 23, after no headway was made on the single candidacy issue with the DUP. He had consistently pledged he will offer support, but has been slow to follow up on this with action.

The spokesman also said that Ahn expressed concerns that the current situation may hold up political change and change of government.

Polls taken after the start of official campaigning, showed Moon trailing the ruling Saenuri Party candidate in the polls, with some polls indicating that the gap was widening with 13 days remaining before the country picks its next president.

The two men, meanwhile, plan to meet in private in Seoul to work out how Ahn can support Moon's campaign.

Political observers said Ahn will probably not join the DUP but will take part in street rallies, use social network services to appeal to people online, and appear as a guest on TV and radio shows. (Yonhap)