LKP unveils own proposals for constitutional revision

Liberty Korea Party (LKP) floor leader Kim Sung-tae, left, speaks during a press conference to announce the LKP's constitutional revision proposals at the National Assembly, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Park Ji-won

The main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) unveiled its own constitutional revision proposals, Tuesday, days after Cheong Wa Dae announced President Moon Jae-in's proposals.

The LKP's proposals are centered on limiting presidential power while increasing the power of the National Assembly.

One controversial element in the LKP's proposals is to empower the Assembly to choose and appoint the prime minister who would have the responsibility to handle domestic affairs independently from the President.

Moon's proposals, meanwhile, are focused on changing the current single five-year presidential term to a four-year term with the option of running for re-election once.

Announcing the proposals, LKP floor leader Rep. Kim Sung-tae said the party focused on strengthening checks and balances.

Asked about when to hold a referendum, Kim drew a line and emphasized the LKP will not accept the President's June 13 deadline.

Moon pledged during his election campaign to hold a referendum on the constitutional revision along with the local elections to save taxes.

Kim said the party will stick with the party's schedule which is set by June to reach an agreement among members of a special committee for the constitutional revision and have a referendum by September.

The LKP highlighted in the proposed bill that the President will have the right to dissolve the National Assembly at the request of the prime minister.

The LKP also demanded redrawing of electoral precincts and reforming the proportional representation system to increase the number of lawmakers chosen through the system. Also, the party demanded lowering the voting age to 18.

Also, regarding the redistribution of investigative authority and power between the police and the prosecution, the LKP demanded to erase the sole authority of the prosecution to seek an arrest warrant from the Constitution so the police can do so as well.

The DPK, however, has dismissed the idea, saying it is a contradictory situation that the LKP insists on a strong legislature as they often boycott the Assembly.

"The April Assembly is already postponed. Whenever the Assembly begins, the LKP starts boycotting," policy chief Kim Tae-nyeon of the DPK said.

The ruling party has declared its support of the President-led bill.

Six out of 10 South Koreans support President Moon Jae-in's proposal for a constitutional revision, according to a survey released on March 22.

The Party for Democracy and Peace (PDP) and the Justice Party largely support the ruling camp's idea when it comes to the schedule of holding a referendum.

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