National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, along with five other members, actively promotes individual nomination bills ahead of the upcoming by-elections. These lawmakers jointly introduced the measures prior to the election announcement, aiming to select candidates through National Assembly votes and attach them to by-election ballots.
Current Floor Leader Denies Long-Term Ambitions
The current floor leader dismisses claims of a “Putin-style” presidential term extension as baseless. Officials emphasize that including the full text of the May 18 and North Gyeongsang rectification rulings in the constitutional amendment serves a specific purpose, not an extension ploy.
Despite this, the opposition warns that attaching nominations to by-elections risks private interests overriding public needs, with only three joint proposals from the original five points remaining.
Ruling Party Rejects Nomination Strategy
The ruling People Power Party counters that no legitimate individual seats exist. Sources indicate the event occurred post-presidential statement without prior announcement, turning nominations into a private affair.
To pass through the National Assembly, the bill requires approval from two-thirds of current lawmakers (197 seats). Even combining Minjoo Party, minor parties, individual lawmakers, progressives, basic income advocates, and social Minjoo yields only 187 seats.
Opposition Fears Power Concentration
Opposition figures argue this approach undermines checks and balances. Present constitutional articles explicitly reject presidential succession threats like Putin’s, viewing the move as an improper power grab.
Analysis from Yeo Gwon sources highlights concerns over repeating four-year term extensions used against individuals, insisting full constitutional inclusion remains essential.
Lee’s Post-Statement Response
After the presidential address, Woo Won-sik and aides pursued individual discussions. On January 10, he announced “two by-election national constituency” plans; on January 1, the floor leader pledged full inclusion of May 18 and Busan rulings.
On January 19, Woo and six aides formally proposed joint bills. Though ongoing, insiders note Lee and the floor leader drive the individual nomination push.
Public Polls Show Low Support
Polls reveal limited backing: only 10 of 107 ruling party members support, signaling widespread reluctance. Early May National Assembly selection for by-elections remains feasible, but low numbers pose challenges.
Kim Moon-sook Floor Leader’s Critique
Kim Moon-sook, People Power Party floor leader, states the presidential push ignores actual sentiments, demanding constitutional corrections over private grievances.
“The greatest four-year term extension impact burdens citizens. Correcting the constitution to expose this Lee Jae-myung figure again defies logic,” she remarked.
Concerns Over ‘Putin Model’
Critics liken the strategy to Putin’s thick media control for personal gain, insisting it’s unconstitutional. Yeo Gwon insiders view it as lacking substance, fueling internal debates.
Opposition Yeo Gwon braces for potential constitutional crises, with warnings of a full-scale political storm if by-elections proceed without adjustments.
