[Editorial] “The Direction of Eliminating the District Party Is Correct”

The incumbent GNP Chairman Choe Byung-yul of the opposition Grand National Party suggested political reform schemes such as the elimination of a district party chapter and the modification of all national constituencies. It is towards a right direction if it is feasible in that they can change money-consuming political systems and broaden the width of political changes. It can be a turning point of sublimating the illegal presidential election funds scandal into political reforms.

The most outstanding among these plans is the elimination of the district party. The current district party is a “money-eating hippo.” Regardless of the election period, it should spend a lot of money for the next election even in normal times. It is difficult for the directors of district party to avoid “black money” because they have to deal with all the civil affairs of the local community and condolences. As long as the district party exists, it is difficult to eradicate the wrong habits of voters who are apt to ask for money. The district party is also an obstacle to new political entrants. The influencing power of the director of the district party is so strong that there is no room for new politicians to breathe. In an election with more than two candidates competing for an official position, it is hard to find fair competition because of a large mobilization of “people of the director.”

The National Assembly, as a constitutional institute, should be faithful in national affairs such as the examination of the legislature and administration. Since a local self-governing body is well taking its place, and it should be a municipal assemblyman who takes the responsibility of dealing with local circumstances. The reason for the permanent existence of the district party is becoming gradually smaller.

According to the assertion of the GNP, there can be the intention of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) in order to avoid the current circumstances of crisis, which is in a difficult situation due to illegal presidential election funds. However, there will be no reason for weighing over the relative importance of “political strategy” if it is in a correct direction.

In order for this to happen, it absolutely needs a unified action with each other among the whole political arena. However, it is positive that the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) and the newly created pro-Roh Moo-hyun party will reveal an additional agenda for political reform. However, the more important thing than “prior occupation” is specific agreement and practice. It should not reiterate a precedent that dissipates an adverse criticism through the consultation of the government party and the opposition party right before the election by prolonging the adverse criticism. It is urgent to reform a system. There are only five months left until next general election.