Ins, outs split on campaign reform plan

The Central Election Commission yesterday announced a package of election reform proposals that would extend the campaign period for National Assembly elections to six months and that for presidential elections to one year.
The proposals will require approval by the Assembly.
Under current Korean law, only after candidates formally register their candidacies at the beginning of a designated campaign period, about one month, can they collect donations and stage campaign events. The restrictions are based on concerns about “overheated” political contests here, but they are also a boon to incumbents and well-known politicians. Under the new proposals, candidates could register earlier with the election commission and conduct a campaign thereafter.
The proposal also calls for tighter controls on campaign finances, by requiring that all campaigns be managed through a single bank account and that any contribution of 500,000 won ($420) or more must be made by check or credit card.
The commission also wants to lower the voting age by a year, to 19. Diplomats and students at foreign universities would be allowed to cast absentee ballots.
The financing elements of the plan are similar to a proposal by the reform wing of the Millennium Democratic Party, which calls for a 1-million-won upper limit on cash contributions and funds management only through accounts registered with the election commission. Those proposals would also loosen the tight restrictions on campaigning somewhat.
President Roh Moo-hyun has supported proposals for longer campaign periods despite the lack of enthusiasm among the political establishment.
The Grand National Party’s floor leader, Hong Sa-duk, didn’t think much of the idea. “Allowing that much campaigning can bring in uncontrollable situations by increasing confusion and overheating election activities,” he said. “It will also put pressure on campaign financing.”

by Shin Yong-ho