By Bernard Rowan
On Tuesday, South Koreans continued the life of a young and vibrant democracy by going to the polls and voting for their president. This vote has great importance. It continues the healing from painful events of impeaching and removing a president. It shows the vitality of Korean political culture in facing international and regional pressures. Koreans celebrate the life of their great state, country, and people through democratic participation.
I've watched from Chicago, Illinois, the impressive displays of the omni-partisan community at debates and other shared forums. Of course, the differences between parties and personalities are real and serious. The candidates for President have shown the leadership needed to chart the future of South Korea. They've stood together as Korean citizens and Korean brothers and sisters. Don't underestimate the value of this practice.
It's also impressive there are more than just two candidates. Too many democracies settle into two-party politics. Koreans regularly advance more than two candidates for the nation's highest office. While some might disagree, that shows the strength of South Korea's democracy and the broad interest in national politics that should continue.
Here's hoping the voter turnout is the largest in history. The best voting mindset is picking the candidate who can do the best job. The Korean president wields great power, greater than American presidents according to the structure of Korean government. Korean presidents also have stronger ties to the people with their standing as the chief executive. They must carry the burden of a popular mandate with heavy expectations.
Beware the trend of present-day politics. Korean voters and political elites build up candidates, regardless of party, to become president. At the end of the person's term, he or she faces a major scandal. May this election see an end to that. The next president needs a more transparent government as a priority.
So many issues stand for the voters: what to do about THAAD and North Korea top the list, but there are so many others. I should say that regulating chaebol and improving employment opportunities for younger Koreans are critical now. Not far behind stands the empowerment of women and the elderly and extending South Korea's support for a more diverse society.
I hope the losing candidates will pledge their support to the winner of the election. Watching the continuing bitterness between American President Trump and Hillary Clinton is pathetic and a blue ribbon example of what not to follow. Of course party political differences will remain. That's healthy in a democracy. Also healthy is the voluntary acceptance of rules of fair play, including how to act when one loses an election. Respecting the new president assumes even greater importance given the issues of national security and domestic political fallout.
The tumultuous period of the Korean War isn't long past. Syngman Rhee began a list that soon will have another name. The next president will share in the awesome responsibility of carrying forward the Korean people in the 21st century. Koreans threw off the military dictatorship. Through the sacrifices of dissidents and youth, Koreans realized a civilian-controlled, multiparty democratic state. Even with serious challenges, historical and recent, the country has continued to grow and develop into an advanced nation. There's plenty more to do. Today, another citizen will step into big shoes buoyed by the realization that in many respects, Korean works, inventions, and technologies propel the peoples of the region and the world to better living.
Vote! Carry forward the life of Korea as a vibrant democracy. Voting isn't a candlelight revolution. It builds habits of voice and loyalty to one's country. This act isn't just about "winning and losing" and whose ideas and policies hold sway. It's about celebrating the citizens' democracy of South Korea, a state and society that have the health to overcome bad times and move forward.
Bernard Rowan is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. Reach him at browan10@yahoo.com
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I've watched from Chicago, Illinois, the impressive displays of the omni-partisan community at debates and other shared forums. Of course, the differences between parties and personalities are real and serious. The candidates for President have shown the leadership needed to chart the future of South Korea. They've stood together as Korean citizens and Korean brothers and sisters. Don't underestimate the value of this practice.
It's also impressive there are more than just two candidates. Too many democracies settle into two-party politics. Koreans regularly advance more than two candidates for the nation's highest office. While some might disagree, that shows the strength of South Korea's democracy and the broad interest in national politics that should continue.
Here's hoping the voter turnout is the largest in history. The best voting mindset is picking the candidate who can do the best job. The Korean president wields great power, greater than American presidents according to the structure of Korean government. Korean presidents also have stronger ties to the people with their standing as the chief executive. They must carry the burden of a popular mandate with heavy expectations.
Beware the trend of present-day politics. Korean voters and political elites build up candidates, regardless of party, to become president. At the end of the person's term, he or she faces a major scandal. May this election see an end to that. The next president needs a more transparent government as a priority.
So many issues stand for the voters: what to do about THAAD and North Korea top the list, but there are so many others. I should say that regulating chaebol and improving employment opportunities for younger Koreans are critical now. Not far behind stands the empowerment of women and the elderly and extending South Korea's support for a more diverse society.
I hope the losing candidates will pledge their support to the winner of the election. Watching the continuing bitterness between American President Trump and Hillary Clinton is pathetic and a blue ribbon example of what not to follow. Of course party political differences will remain. That's healthy in a democracy. Also healthy is the voluntary acceptance of rules of fair play, including how to act when one loses an election. Respecting the new president assumes even greater importance given the issues of national security and domestic political fallout.
The tumultuous period of the Korean War isn't long past. Syngman Rhee began a list that soon will have another name. The next president will share in the awesome responsibility of carrying forward the Korean people in the 21st century. Koreans threw off the military dictatorship. Through the sacrifices of dissidents and youth, Koreans realized a civilian-controlled, multiparty democratic state. Even with serious challenges, historical and recent, the country has continued to grow and develop into an advanced nation. There's plenty more to do. Today, another citizen will step into big shoes buoyed by the realization that in many respects, Korean works, inventions, and technologies propel the peoples of the region and the world to better living.
Vote! Carry forward the life of Korea as a vibrant democracy. Voting isn't a candlelight revolution. It builds habits of voice and loyalty to one's country. This act isn't just about "winning and losing" and whose ideas and policies hold sway. It's about celebrating the citizens' democracy of South Korea, a state and society that have the health to overcome bad times and move forward.
Bernard Rowan is associate provost for contract administration and professor of political science at Chicago State University. He is a past fellow of the Korea Foundation and former visiting professor at Hanyang University. Reach him at browan10@yahoo.com
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