Hahm Sung-deuk
Korea University professor |
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Political scientist Hahm Sung-deuk said Friday that Korea saw ``the end of imperialistic presidency.''
He proposed an American-style presidential system that would allow a sitting president to seek a second-term and for presidential candidates pick a running mate.
The Korea University professor observed that the presidential system, which was weakened after the former President Roh Moo-hyun government, exposes the nation to political gridlock when those who control the presidential office and parliament come from different parties.
In a paper published by Seoul National University's College of Law, Hahm said the constant mess in the political arena was the result of the end of the imperialistic presidency and divided government.
Last year, Hahm served as an advisor to National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o, who has been pushing for the constitutional change.
In a survey conducted last year, about two-thirds of lawmakers agreed on the need to change the Constitution regarding the presidency.
Despite the bipartisan consensus, parties have been slow to revise the law.
``It's tough for the President to manage the nation when he has to deal with an opposition-controlled National Assembly,'' Hahm told The Korea Times.
The professor said allowing sitting presidents to seek a second-term and pick their vice presidential candidates would help the heads of state overcome political gridlock.
``The president would be more accountable if given the chance to seek a second term. They can manage the nation in a more stable manner, and the lame-duck effect will be eased as they will have enough time to look beyond short-sighted achievements,'' he said.
If an U.S.-style presidential system is adopted, voters would pick their president and parliamentary representatives on the same day.
``The chances of having a unified government would be higher, and this would reduce the chances of the nation encountering political gridlock,'' Hahm said.
Under the current single-term presidency, he says, presidents tend to be preoccupied with myopic goals because they must implement their policies in a short time frame, leading the government to be less accountable.
Presidential candidates choosing their running mates could help balance tickets, he added.
hkang@koreatimes.co.kr
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yistory@koreatimes.co.kr
