Voters to decide S.Korea`s fate

Plowing by farmers determines agriculture in a year. Voters` choices in parliamentary elections determine four years of state affairs. Voting is both the right and obligation of a citizen. National Election Commission Chairman Kim Neung-hwan said in a statement Tuesday, “Just looking at the parliamentary elections that will choose those who will serve in parliament on behalf of the people while folding their hands behind their backs is giving up being owners of the country.” Fierce election campaigns have ended and what remains is the choice of the people. The Republic of Korea`s 40 million voters should go to the polling booths with the kind of country they want.

In the general elections four years ago, policy and ideological differences between the ruling and opposition parties were not as wide as they are now. Back then, there was no economic crisis or sensitive national issues. Social conflict was a far cry from today`s situation. The people, however, see clear policy and ideological differences between the ruling and opposition parties. Three examples are the free trade agreement with the U.S., the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, and North Korea policy. The South Korean economy and the people’s livelihood are still reeling from the last two global economic crises. Politicians racing to implement reckless populist polices is another difference from four years ago. Regional antagonism has relatively decreased, however.

Over the campaign period, voters have seen controversies over candidate nominations in each party; manipulation of polls on candidates; illegal surveillance of civilians; reckless comments by Kim Yong-min, a candidate by the main opposition Democratic United Party; and the minor United Progressive Party’s pro-North Korea tendency. The stances taken by each party on these issues will also affect voters. Paying excessive attention to matters raised shortly before the elections is tantamount to mistaking the trees for the forest.

Voters must select candidates who are integral, moral and capable. More important, however, is the ideology and policies each party pursues. Voters could determine the fate of the current and future generations and the path South Korea will take. Voters are advised to take a close look at each party’s pledges and their stances on major issues before making their decisions, though this will prove quite troublesome and hard.

The results of the parliamentary elections will be the barometer for the presidential election in December since they will express public opinion. The political situation will change according to the results of the elections. If the coalition between the main opposition and the minor progressive parties claims a parliamentary majority, it will launch an all-out offensive against the incumbent government through forms such as parliamentary hearings. The lame-duck phenomenon will accelerate. If the coalition led by the progressive party shows an excessive ideological inclination, it will face criticism for tyranny of the majority, however. The winner of the December presidential election and lawmakers to be chosen Wednesday will serve more than half of their terms over the same period. In this sense, the general elections bear more significance.