Split of Conservatives
Lee Hoi-chang Needs to Clarify His Stance on Presidency
A dispute is flaring up over former opposition leader Lee Hoi-chang's possible running in the December presidential election. Lee has remained reticent despite repeated calls for him to clarify his stance. At present, Lee appears to be still harboring ambition as he has not blatantly rebuffed such a possibility, maintaining a "neither confirm nor deny'' attitude. We urge him to make clear his position at the earliest date possible.
It is totally improper for Lee to seek the presidency at this time, as his possible running in the election will undermine the basic principle of democratic politics. If he had a presidential ambition, Lee should have taken part in the primary race of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) from the beginning to face the judgment of the party's members.
It is inappropriate for Lee to seek the party ticket as the party has already selected former Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak as its standard bearer. Furthermore, former GNP leader Park Geun-hye who fiercely competed against Lee during the primaries acknowledged her defeat and vowed to honor the outcome. There is the possibility that Lee Hoi-chang will seek to run as an independent candidate. But this is also improper, as it will undermine the chances of the opposition party, which provided him with two previous chances as its presidential candidate.
Some associates of Lee Hoi-chang cited the need for the party to come up with a "spare candidate'' in the event that Lee Myung-bak is forced to drop out of the race. Lee Hoi-chang and his followers appear to be expecting the ``sudden withdrawal'' since Lee Myung-bak has been facing growing setbacks due to his alleged involvement in the ``BBK stock manipulation'' case and other irregularities. They have also claimed the need to cope with the possible terrorist attacks against Lee Myung-bak. But such a fictional scenario is a sort of "sugar-coated'' political maneuvering designed to realize Lee Hoi-chang's ambition.
In reality, Lee Hoi-chang stands little chance of winning the presidential election even if he runs as an independent. A survey conducted by the Munhwa Ilbo showed him getting support of just 15.8 percent of those polled, behind Lee Myung-bak and Chung Dong-young of the pro-government United New Democratic Party who recorded 45.3 percent and 17.5 percent, respectively.
Lee Hoi-chang made it clear he would completely retire from politics immediately after his defeat in the 2002 presidential election. We urge him to abide by his promise for the sake of the public. It is time for him to clarify his position to prevent further confusion among members of the GNP and the people. And he needs to maintain his identity as he has always underlined principles and honesty. This is the only mission he can perform for the people as a senior statesman.