The opposition`s `Ahn Cheol-soo project`

The main opposition Democratic United Party is divided over former IT guru-turned-professor Ahn Cheol-soo, who is a potential dark horse for the December presidential race, as the party’s primary nears. Certain party members want to embrace him either via in-party or outside competition, while others insist on naming an independent candidate for the opposition camp. Rep. Park Jie-won, the party`s newly-elected floor leader, said, "It would be good if Ahn joins our party to participate in the presidential primary, but it would also be okay for him to run as an independent for the opposition camp. Our doors are open." Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has similar opinions, meaning the party is vying for Ahn`s participation. Not so happy is South Gyeongsang Province Gov. Kim Doo-kwan, a left-leaning presidential contender who denounced the party for its efforts to recruit Ahn. Kim said the party is merely focused on naming Ahn as the unified candidate of the opposition camp instead of encouraging in-party competition. Kim denounced Ahn as someone "who has never planted rice in a rice paddy full of leeches."

Within the main opposition party, senior adviser Moon Jae-in is considered the strongest presidential candidate. But his approval rating is below those of Ahn and acting ruling Saenuri Party chief Park Geun-hye. Even if the Democratic United Party names Moon its presidential candidate, his chances of victory are low than if Ahn ran as the unified opposition candidate. This is why the opposition party is trying to bring Ahn in, but the party needs to consider how not to lose face.

If Ahn competes with a Democratic United Party candidate in the primaries, a recurrence is possible of the fate that befell Park Young-sun, the party`s candidate for Seoul mayor last year who lost to independent Park Won-soon. Even in a desperate situation, it would be a disgrace for the main opposition party if it fails to field an independent candidate. It the party tries to make Ahn its presidential candidate, it will inevitably face criticism for carrying out a political plan.

In a survey on potential presidential candidates by polling agency Media Research, Park Geun-hye got 47.2 percent of the vote while Ahn received 42.1 percent. This is the first time since September last year that Park had a higher approval rate than Ahn. Park had more votes in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, three regions that Ahn had dominated before. The rosy picture for Park comes after she led the ruling party to victory in last month`s general elections. Public sentiment is also waning over Ahn`s vague position though the presidential election is just eight months away. If he is willing to compete, Ahn should come to the fore and clear uncertainty to give the public enough time to verify his ability.