By Lee Tae-hoon
Staff Reporter

A senior official of the governing Grand National Party (GNP) called for the passage of a bill that would reorganize administrative zones in the country by the year's end, Tuesday.

During a party meeting, GNP Floor Leader Ahn Sang-soo urged the main opposition Democratic Party to endorse a bill on administrative redrawing during the current extraordinary National Assembly session.

``A bipartisan agreement has been reached that the reform bill should be approved by February 2010 at the latest,'' he said.

However, it would be wiser to conclude the matter in December as the ad hoc committee on the matter is scheduled to disband at the end of the year, Ahn said.

``Otherwise, we will have to extend the life of the committee until next February,'' he said.

Ahn noted that this would also help reduce confusion among residents living in cities that are mulling over merging with other ones.

The administration has been pushing for the reorganization of cities and counties nationwide to improve administrative efficiency.

However, critics remain cautious, saying the mergers may not necessarily lead to more efficiency and better public services.

leeth@koreatimes.co.kr