Democratic Party to Hold Emergency Lawmakers' Meeting on 27th to Discuss Multi-Party System and Political Reform Proposals

Reform of National Assembly and Local Council Electoral Districts, Introduction of 4-Year Presidential Single Term and Runoff Voting System

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] The Democratic Party of Korea will hold an emergency party caucus to discuss political reform measures, including the reorganization of electoral districts for the National Assembly and local council elections.

According to political circles on the 26th, the Democratic Party will hold an emergency caucus at the National Assembly on the 27th to discuss major issues such as political reform measures. The topic will be the political reform proposal announced by Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil on the 24th, and discussions among party members are expected to continue.

Earlier, Leader Song announced a political reform proposal for national integration, which guarantees a multi-party system and aims to push for a constitutional amendment within one year to introduce a four-year presidential two-term system and a runoff voting system. This reflects a proactive intention to embrace candidates such as Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party.

In particular, Leader Song specified the timing of the constitutional amendment as within one year after the presidential election. He stated, "The lifespan of the 1987 revised constitution has ended," and explained, "We will introduce a four-year presidential two-term system and a runoff voting system centered on strengthening fundamental rights, decentralization, and democratization of the power structure for mid- to long-term and nationally integrative governance."

He also announced that election system reforms, such as the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system linked to the National Assembly elections, regional proportional representation, and multi-member constituencies with three or more candidates for local elections, will be implemented within six months. To this end, he added, "We will establish a Special Committee on Political Reform for National Integration." Furthermore, to realize the 'National Integration Government' pledged by Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, he announced the introduction of a 'Prime Minister Recommendation System by the National Assembly.'

Meanwhile, candidate Ahn mentioned in a TV debate the day before that regarding the Democratic Party’s political reform proposal, "I am relatively well aware of the internal affairs of that party compared to others, but whether it will pass the party caucus is the 'key'." He also said, "If there is sincerity, although the election is not far off, it can be passed at the caucus anytime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.