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A new political party is in the process of being born here in Korea.
The main opposition Democratic Party and independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo's political group held
a ceremony in Seoul on Sunday to forge consensus over guidelines, platforms and key rules for
the new party, which is slated to launch next week.
Our National Assembly Correspondent Ji Myung-kil reports. Democratic Party leader Kim Han-gil
and independent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo of the New Political Vision Party have given
their coalition a name. Both say the 'Saejungchiminjooyeonhap' Party
will match their shared vision to shake up Korean politics and improve the livelihoods
of the people. The name was adopted at an inaugural ceremony
at the Sejong Center in central Seoul on Sunday, where the two lawmakers outlined their visions
for the new opposition party in front of some 4-hundred supporters.
The Saejungchiminjooyeonhap Party's co-leaders promised the new party represents a new era
in politics.
"The Saejungchiminjooyeonhap Party will work towards integrating the regions and overcoming
factionalism. Our new party will deliver hope to the people and work in the interest of
everyone."
"The Saejungchiminjooyeonhap will embrace the ideologies of rational conservatives and
introspective progressives. We will work towards improving the lives of the general public.
We will win in the June 4th local elections and then win the presidential race in 2017."
The new party will work toward abolishing a controversial top-down nomination system...
which has given rise to bribery in the past as candidates elbowed for openings.
Both leaders pledged to root out irregularities in the public sector and address welfare issues
to improve the livelihoods of the people. Referring to President Park Geun-hye's economic
democratization push,... the new party urged the current adminstration to rein in conglomerates
and create a level playing field for both large and small firms.
The Saejungchiminjooyeonhap Party plans to announce its English name sometime this week.
"The two sides have formed a task force composed of an equal number of members from both DP
members and Ahn's group. Now that the new party has a name and identity has been decided,...
they will focus on winning the June 4th local elections.
Ji Myung-kil, Arirang News.