By Kim Hyo-jin
New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) Chairman Moon Jae-in rejected former party leader Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo’s proposal of holding a national convention to elect a new leader, Thursday.
Moon also harshly criticized Ahn, saying he was trying to divide the party.
The move signals that a power struggle between the two heavy-weights will intensify further as rival factions are disputing over how to prepare for next year’s general election.
“What I wanted from Ahn was cooperation, but his proposal of holding a national convention means a confrontation,” Moon said during a press conference.
“We shouldn’t waste our time fighting each other. We should collaborate, but Ahn’s proposal, if accepted, will divide our party.”
Moon also indicated that he will join forces with other opposition forces.
“A national convention is only meaningful when it is to unite with forces outside party,” Moon said.
Moon vowed to realign the party in preparation for the elections.
“I will put my utmost efforts to bring power balance between the opposition and the ruling camp by unifying the party and forming an alliance with other opposition forces,” he said.
The remarks came days after Ahn proposed a national convention to elect a new leader instead of accepting Moon's idea to form a three-way leadership along with Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon.
Moon earlier proposed the joint leadership ahead of the upcoming general election, scheduled for April 13, 2016.
Ahn and his followers have demanded that Moon step down because he has lost the people’s confidence, particularly in the North and South Jeolla provinces, the NPAD's political home turf.
Ahn hit back at Moon.
In a text message sent to reporters after Moon’s press conference, Ahn said, “I wonder where Moon is leading the party. I’m concerned about its future.”