Ban Ki-moon proposes talks on constitutional revision

By Choi Ha-young

Ban Ki-moon

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon proposed inter-party talks on revising the Constitution before the presidential election, Tuesday.

The proposal is viewed as an attempt to gather forces against Moon Jae-in, the leading presidential hopeful of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) who has been lukewarm to constitutional revision ahead of the election.

“The 30-year-old outdated Constitution is at the center of the tragedy that the nation is experiencing today,” Ban told reporters. “I propose all political parties and their leaders join this move to revise it and limit the presidential power.”

Along with the proposal, he criticized the leading candidate Moon Jae-in, who has claimed he would do it after the election.

“The powerful DPK candidate cited lack of time, but this is an excuse,” said the career diplomat who arrived in Seoul on Jan. 12. “He should not conceal his desire for his faction’s interests.”

Highlighting the urgency of the constitutional revision to diffuse presidential authority, he said a powerful presidency was the source of all national crises. “Now, we should stop the conflicts and confrontations between the factions.”

However, Ban said the successful completion of the constitutional revision is not a condition of his challenge for Cheong Wa Dae, implying he will run for the presidency regardless of the negotiation’s results.

In line with the calls from politicians mainly from the second-largest opposition People’s Party, the National Assembly formed a special committee for a constitutional revision in December. The People’s Party has eyed a political alliance with others except Moon linked by the agreement on the constitutional revision.

Ban said he will back up the committee’s efforts as an outsider, in case of its malfunction due to factional opposition.

Particularly, Ban emphasized the presidential term and the Assembly’s term should coincide. “If elected, I would like to accept a shorter term to arrange the term with the legislature.” According to the current Constitution, the President’s term is five years without a chance for re-election.

When asked about the public support for the constitutional revision, Ban said the candlelit rallies have been “spoiled,” citing some slogans. At the street protest which led to President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment, citizens prioritized “eradicate the deep-rooted evils,” rather than constitutional revision.

Regarding rampant rumors which party Ban would join, he said, “I will make a decision as soon as possible and reveal it to the public once it’s confirmed.” After People’s Party Chairman Park Jie-won openly rejected Ban’s accession to the party on Sunday, the Bareun Party appears his sole option.