Representative Ahn Cheol Soo Leads The People's Party's First Convention 

Representative Ahn Cheol Soo of the Independent wing led the first convention of the new People's Party together with its founding members in a bid to accelerate efforts in preparing the opposition party ahead of the general elections on April, Korea Herald reported Sunday.

The People's Party, founded by Ahn, vowed during its first major convention to put an end on the bipartisan system and succeed in the next presidential elections which is slated to take place in 2017.

In a founding declaration statement, the party promised to put an end to the outdated and incapable bipartisan system, putting their focus on rational reform and creating balance between conservatism and liberalism.

The group added that their goal is to "seek the coexistence of labor and management, the co-development of big conglomerates and small and midsize companies, and settle the divide between permanent and temporary workers," Korea JoongAng Daily reported.

Over 1,978 members and eight incumbent lawmakers attended the convention in Seoul and forged a consensus on key regulations and party platforms.

The party upholds the slogan, "bold change for the future," and aims for the prioritization of the citizen's livelihood over ideological principles. They also pledged to stand firm as an alternative against established parties by accommodating both liberal and conservative voters.

The election of key officers for the Poeple's Party also occured during the convention, as they prepare for the party's official establishment this February.

Ahn, who currently does not hold any official post, will support the party's endeavours all the through. Health Minister Yoon Yeo Joon and Seoul National University professor Han Sang Jin are expected to lead the party in the run-up towards the official launch.

The People's Party, which emerges as the third-largest political group in the upcoming elections, are already facing challenges on the recruitment of new members. The party reportedly withdrew the membership of some newcomers on Friday who were allegedly involved in a graft scandal.