MDP members Chough Soon-hyung and Choo Mi-ae are rivals for the position of party chairman, while political circles are closely observing the two's rivalry, which could affect the MDP's relationship with Cheong Wa Dae and the opposition Grand National Party.

One MDP member said that Chough and Choo are a close match, but that Chough is slightly more popular among the members who will actually be voting, and added that the contest will depend on the atmosphere at the convention. A poll conducted by the MDP on Wednesday indicated that 29 percent of the members would not decide on a candidate until the convention is held.

The MDP has high expectations for both candidates. If Chough is elected chairman, he is likely to emphasize stability over reform. Chough had emphasized party unity during his election campaign and criticized artificial attempts at reform.

If Choo is elected chairman, however, the party is in for a renovation. Choo would be the second woman party leader in history, and is currently the youngest party delegation of a district. Choo stresses both reform and tolerance in her speeches, but has also hinted at exceptional reform plans while giving interviews.

As a result, many are pointing out that Chough will lack forward momentum, and Choo will not be able to unite the party.

The GNP expects that the election results to affect its decision on whether to resubmit the special prosecutors investigation bill. GNP members said they hoped that someone more practical and less hostile towards the GNP would be elected, implying that they prefer Chough. Chough has agreed to resubmit the special prosecutors investigation bill, while Choo has been quiet on the issue.

The Uri Party, on the other hand, warned that no matter who the chairman is, the MDP would be fractured, and more members would leave the party after the convention. (Kim Min-cheol, mckim@chosun.com )