By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Approximately 3,000 supporters of the late President Roh Moo-hyun will elect former Unification Minister Lee Jae-jeong as leader of a new liberal party Sunday during a leadership contest in Seoul.
The official launch of the minor party, tentatively titled the Participatory Party, comes five months before the local elections, raising the possibility that the new liberal party will deal a blow to the main opposition Democratic Party (DP).
DP Chairman Chung Sye-kyun denounced the move, warning that the division of the liberal camp will only result in splitting votes.
"There is no excuse that can justify their establishment of a new liberal party,'' Chung said. "The upcoming election is already tough for liberals and reformists to win even if we are united. It is needless to say that we will find it more difficult to win in the elections if we are divided."
During the contest, the delegates of the new party will choose five Supreme Council members. Former presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon declared his bid to become one of the members. There are five other candidates for the Supreme Council seats.
However, Lee is the only candidate for the party leader.
Cheon said the new party will become a democratic, national, open and Internet-based party that is aiming at garnering 20 percent of votes in the June 2 local elections.
Meanwhile, former Welfare Minister Rhyu Si-min will run for Seoul mayor on the new party's ticket.