[Public poll] Politicians seeking constitutional change for selfish reasons

Seven in 10 people think that the ongoing debate on a constitutional amendment in the political sphere is aimed at boosting the interests of specific politicians, a survey showed. As for the timing of the discussion, the majority of those questioned said it is not the right time.

These were some of the results of the ``Dong-a Public Poll on the Index of People`s Feelings,`` which the newspaper conducts every three months to see how the people feel about Korean society.

On whether the ongoing debate on a constitutional amendment to allow the president two four-year terms and introduce a vice president is designed to benefit the people, only 15.7 percent said yes, while 71 percent replied it was aimed at promoting the interests of specific politicians. Among the respondents who identified themselves as supporters of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), 62.6 percent gave the same answer, compared to 77.6 percent of supporters of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP).

As for the timing of the constitutional debate, 64.3 percent said ``Now is not the time to discuss a constitutional revision,`` while only 20.8 percent agreed that now is the proper time for such a debate. Of the MDP supporters, 58.2 percent opposed the debate at this time, while 66.4 percent of the GNP supporters agreed.

Asked whether a one-term or two-term presidency is preferable, 51.6 percent of respondents favored the single term, compared to 36.7 percent who chose the alternative. Among MDP supporters, those who favor a double term outnumbered those who support a single term by 52.2 percent to 42 percent. In contrast, 57.8 percent of GNP supporters favored a single term, while only 34.7 percent backed a double term.

The introduction of a vice president was favored by 48. 1 percent, and was opposed by 35.3 percent. Among MDP supporters, those who backed the idea outnumbered those who opposed it by 61.1 percent to 27.6 percent. Among GNP supporters, those who favored a vice president also outpaced those who did not by 48.7 percent to 41.3 percent.

The poll showed that the people still harbor distrust of those in the political world, including National Assembly and party members, the president and the opposition leader. The public view of the debate on a constitutional amendment is seen as reflecting this distrust.

For the latest survey, Research and Research, a public polling agency, questioned by telephone a total of 1,500 people aged 20 or above nationwide. This was the same formula used in previous surveys. The questions dealt with politics, the economy and quality of life and the margin of error was plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

Na Sun-Mi sunny60@donga.com