Steps to Hit Local-Level Corruption Stir Debate

There is increasing conflict over calls to amend the law governing local governments to curb corruption by their heads amid a surge in bribery and violations of election law.

Civic groups are demanding the introduction of "recall and referendum" systems at local level. The ruling and opposition camps are each discussing an array of measures to stem corruption at their respective political reform special committees.

Local government heads, however, are resisting the calls.

The Millennium Democratic Party said it plans to turn local government deputy leader posts into state-appointed positions to strengthen the central government's control. The United Liberal Democrats support the move. The MDP also wants to curtail the terms of heads of local governments from three to two years, beginning in the 2006 local elections.

It is considering a "recall and referendum" system that would allow the dismissal of a local government head if 30 percent of the electorate voted in a referendum and most supported it. However, as this system could be exploited by those defeated in elections, measures to have the Board of Audit and Inspection take alternative punitive actions such as discharge, suspension from office and reduction of salary, are also being considered.

The Grand National Party approves the recall system, but is unsure about the referendum on grounds it could harm the stability of local government administration. Local government heads are balking. They claim central government is exaggerating the problems at local authorities.

by Kim Jung-wook