By Jun Ji-hye
Thirty five lawmakers submitted a resolution to the National Assembly, Tuesday, calling for a special committee tasked with pushing for a revision to the constitution to be set up.
Supporters of the constitutional amendment want to introduce a system of power-sharing between the president and the prime minister, as well as a two-term presidential system in order to give incumbent presidents the chance to be reelected.
The power-sharing they refer to is a measure where the president would focus on matters related to foreign affairs and unification, while the prime minister would take care of domestic issues.
Notably, nine lawmakers from the ruling Saenuri Party, including five-term Lee Jae-oh and third-term Chin Young, signed the resolution, although President Park Geun-hye has expressed her opposition to the proposed revision.
“The National Assembly must begin discussing the constitutional amendment to better guarantee the people’s fundamental human rights and create a more harmonious political structure,” said 35 lawmakers in a joint statement. “Toward that end, rival parties should agree on forming a special committee tasked with the mission.”
The lawmakers pointed out that the nation’s old presidential system was introduced in 1987 and has resulted in an imperial style of presidency, contributing to endless political and social conflicts.
“The old system was also cited as one of the main causes for the president’s lack of communication with the public,” the statement said.
They suggested that a total of 20 lawmakers will take part in the committee, which would be activated for a year after it was established.
“The committee should be formed within this year, considering that politicians will be busy in the second half of next year preparing for the general elections as well as the presidential poll,” said Rep. Lee during a radio appearance.
President Park previously argued that now is the golden time for the nation to rebuild its economy, saying that it is not suitable to discuss any revision of the Constitution at this stage.
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