Last-minute Competition to Draw Swaying Votes

Lee Hoi-chang, presidential candidate of the major Grand National Party (GNP) and his counter part of the pro-government Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), Roh Moo-hyun, are doing their best to attract floating voters, suggesting campaign pledges such as political reform and the movement of administrative capital city, respectively.

In a press conference held in the GNP headquarters in Yeouido, in central Seoul, Lee said, "If elected, I will not pick up any incumbent GNP lawmakers in forming a new cabinet, in order to stick to the principle of separation of the three branches of government. And I will appoint even those in the incumbent Kim Dae-jung administration to an important position, if they are competent figures."

He made clear that he would put political reform in practice, in order to meet public demand for change and reform. And he added, "For political reform, I will set up a people’s committee for political reform comprised of experts in all kinds of fields, and I will push ahead with a Constitutional revision, if the committee come up with a best revision plan, even if it might shorten my term of office."

If elected, he also stressed, "I will donate all of my assets to the needy when I take office and I will step down as president if my family is involved in any scandal. In order to eradicate corruption within government I will have all government officials in charge of political affairs entrust their properties to a designated financial institution while in office."

He also promised to improve political party system in a way to reduce party costs; to complete discussion about a Constitutional revision during his term; to appoint independent prosecutors to investigate corruption cases such as misuse of public fund and the National Intelligence Service’s alleged wiretapping activities; and to ban any political revenge.

Meanwhile, Roh held a news conference in Daejeon, in which he announced his plan to move the administrative capital city to the central Chungcheong provinces. He said, "Within one year into the office, the movement plan and the selection of area for the government building and the National Assembly building will be completed; from 2004 to 2005, buying of land and proper compensation will be made; from 2006 to 2008, infrastructure will be prepared; from 2009 to 2012, the construction of Presidential Office Cheong Wa Dae, main government building and National Assembly building will be finished and the movement will be made."

According to estimates by experts, the construction of a new capital city will cost a total of 6 trillion won, Roh said. He also added that upon inauguration, he would set up a promoting committee for construction of a new capital city and put this committee under the president’s direct control.

He also pledged to reduce the mandatory military service period from the current 26 months to 24 months and to consider a further cut to 22 months after evaluation of Korea’s security state and military strength and consideration of public opinions.

He also said, "I will shorten the term of service for reservists by three years and the training period to three days and two nights, in order to minimize inconvenience people experience."

Yeon-Wook Jung Hyung-gwon Pu jyw11@donga.com bookum90@donga.com