Democratic Party Strengthens 'Control of Speech' as Election Approaches… Warning of Disciplinary Action for Mentioning Expected Vote Percentage

The Democratic Party of Korea has begun to tighten control over the statements of its members ahead of the presidential election.

On the 20th, the party ordered all members to maintain 'control of speech' by warning that disciplinary actions would be taken if the expected vote percentage or a decisive victory for presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is mentioned in public settings.

According to the Democratic Party on that day, Chairman Park Chan-dae of the Permanent General Election Committee issued urgent directives to all party members.

Chairman Park clearly stated, "It is prohibited to mention expected vote percentages in speeches, interviews, broadcasts, etc.," adding, "Statements regarding election results that suggest an overwhelming or decisive victory are also forbidden."

In particular, Park emphasized, "From now on, I will hold all party members accountable, including disciplinary actions, for mentions of expected vote percentages or decisive victories," urging a heightened awareness of statements among party members.

He noted, "Premature optimism leads to a decrease in voter turnout, and arrogance only results in backlash," expressing hope for persistent and humble appeals until the end.

Special Measures to Block Last-Minute Scandals

This urgent directive is interpreted as special measures to preemptively block potential last-minute scandals within the party as the election approaches.

In fact, just the day before this directive was issued, Co-Chairman Park Ji-won of the Democratic Party had appeared on SBS Radio, stating, "If we do well in this election, our people will put an end to civil strife. If we give another chance to the forces of disorder, the country will be ruined," even mentioning specific expected vote percentages.

At that time, Park mentioned, "I expect it to be around 60% (for candidate Lee Jae-myung), 30% (for Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party), and 10% (for Lee Jun-seok of the Reformist Party)." The rapid issuance of the speech control directive by the party leadership seems to follow immediately after this statement.

Election experts analyze that this measure is a strategic judgment to block overly optimistic views that could weaken voter participation and prevent remarks that could provoke unity in the opposing camp.

The concern appears to reflect that excessive expressions of confidence regarding the election results may come off as arrogant to voters.

The Democratic Party plans to thoroughly manage the statements of its members during the remaining period until the election, maintaining a humble attitude while appealing for voter support until the end.

Image source: News1