Political reform, one of the main electoral themes of the Dec. 19 presidential poll, is showing signs of becoming lost. Before the election, expectations for ``new politics’’ had been high and some ``easy’’ agendas could be dealt with in the just-ended regular session of the National Assembly.
But these expectations have fallen flat as the ruling Saenuri Party is now entirely engrossed in forming its transition team. The main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP), for its part, is at a loss as to its stunning defeat and is only preoccupied with filling the leadership vacuum.
In between, moves and discussions to discuss political renovation have vanished. This is disappointing, considering that not much time has passed since the election.
This concern is reasonable, considering politicians’ habitual change of words in the past with respect to reforming politics, which has been synonymous with corruption, vested interest and incompetence.
Outdated practices of ``old politics’’ were widespread during the deliberation process of the 2013 budget bill, raising once again the desperate need for political parties to renew themselves.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of political reform. Almost all pledges made by President-elect Park Geun-hye and her opposition rival Moon Jae-in are significant enough to alter the nation’s political landscape completely.
For example, the proposal to abolish party nominations of candidates for local elections would be instrumental in weakening the power of lawmakers and revitalizing grassroots politics. Other pledges include curtailing the president’s power, reducing the number of parliamentary seats and cutting down on the excessive privileges accorded to lawmakers such as immunity from arrest while the Assembly is in session.
The lion’s share of the blame must be laid on the governing party and the President-elect. It would betray the wish of the electorate if the ruling camp reneges on its campaign pledges, given people’s ardent aspirations for new politics, as shown through the Ahn Cheol-soo phenomenon. The DUP should keep in mind that it can restore people’s trust by taking the initiative in political renovation.
No wonder lawmakers remain unenthusiastic about attempts to deprive them of their vested interests. We, in this regard, believe that the agendas of new politics are in the hands of President-elect Park.
What is needed most is her determination to achieve political reform during the early period of her five-year tenure. Actions speak louder than words.