[Editorial] Voters, Don’t Fall for Campaign Pledges Just For Votes

Heated competition of public promises among main presidential candidates makes us realize that the major elections are urgent. Candidates make public promise without caring for anything. Their purpose is to get vote for them as they are giving good promises because there isn’t enough time to verify them, if it is good or not and would come true or not. Therefore, it raises concern on the aftermath of major election. In addition, they even copy other’s public promises.

The promise for reducing the period of military service is also rough. In 1992 major elections, Shin Hankook party, the present GNP, gave condition of reducing two months, however, it couldn’t be achieved due to actual limitation. Candidate Lee Hoi-chang from GNP promised it again in succession to the 1997 major election. Related to this, MDP criticized GNP, as it is pork barreling, however, candidate Roh Moo-hyun promised even four months reduction. It is repeat as well as plagiarism.

As it is indicated, transfer of administration city is also an old promise of major elections that has been there for more than 30 years; however, the reason why it hasn’t been achieved is because it is a big national task, which can’t be handled easily. Though candidate Roh promises election of place and establishment of infra within one year, it is doubtful if it would come true or not. Promise of candidate Lee that he will retire if his family is involved in corruption is also not reliable. Position of President that protects constitution and nation is not a position that can be thrown away easily.

Statement of candidate Lee that he will revise the constitution by reducing his presidential term and plan of candidate Roh and Mr. Jung Mong-jun for co-management of government for five years are like temporary measures. There are few voters who would be deceived by bubble promises in order to avoid crisis or false promise for popularity. Voters should not be, either.

Plagiarism of public promise that makes fool of voters. Now, candidates should speak out frankly that they have problems but, let’s endure and overcome, instead of beguiling voters by shining promises. It would be a stronger appeal.