SEOUL, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- South Korean lawmakers are considering a move to open primaries that would allow voters to select candidates outside their political party, officials said.
The measure, which also would allow the use of mobile communication devices to vote, is expected to be adopted by a parliamentary committee on political reform, Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday.
Two members of the panel, Rep. Joo Seong-young of the ruling Grand National Party and Rep. Park Ki-choon of the main opposition Democratic United Party, said they had reached agreement to submit the primary election reform bill on Thursday.
The goal of the open primary system is to prevent nepotism and corruption in the nominating process, the South Korean news agency said.
The DUP has advocated implementing the mobile voting system for efficiency, but the GNP has been resistant, citing concerns of possible abuse.
South Korea's parliamentary elections are in April.
