Rep. Chung Eui-hwa was elected as member of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) decision-making Supreme Council, Wednesday.

The fourth-term lawmaker, 61, took over the post vacated by former GNP Chairman Park Hee-tae who won the Oct. 29 by-election in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province. Park led the party from July in 2008 to September this year.

Under GNP rule, a candidate winning the most votes automatically becomes the chairman, and those who finish in second, third or fourth place become Supreme Council members. The GNP also has several other non-elective members for the body.

In his acceptance speech, Chung, a former medical doctor, called for a change in the ruling party and unity in the nation.

The lawmaker will stay in the post until next July, when the ruling party delegates pick new leaders.

hkang@koreatimes.co.kr