Transparency is a must
An early presidential election is likely. As the Constitutional Court may rule on the impeachment of Park Geun-hye before March, the next presidential election could be held as early as April. There are four major parties now, and they would have to hold presidential primaries.
If the election is too early, there is a possibility that the primaries would be prepared with haste. If the presidential election campaign period is too short, voters would have less time to learn about the candidates.
Now that the election clock is already ticking, it would be nice if the presidential hopefuls announce with whom they would work with if they win. Former Minjoo Party leader Moon Jae-in said that he would announce his cabinet lineup in advance, and some criticize him for rushing. However, other candidates should also announce the shadow cabinet if they want to manage the nation. If they are not ready with choices of ministers, they should at least fill major positions like who will oversee education and economy, gradually if needed.
It is important to make public who is aiding the presidential candidates because the tragedy that Park Geun-hye brought to the nation was caused by unvetted string-pullers. Park claims that there is no personal interest or political connection and Choi was a kitchen cabinet from whom she hears the public opinion over meals. But Choi Soon-sil was nothing but a shadow power extorting money and playing influence in appointments. Looking back, voters would have made a different choice if they had known who was behind the decisions and election promises that Park made as a party leader and presidential candidate and the tendencies of the people she had appointed in major positions.
If the next presidential election is right around the corner, the candidates should be made known soon. It would be desirable if the candidates could inform citizens who’s in their shadow cabinet, kitchen cabinet or on their personal advisory team. As the election campaign period is likely to be short, some politicians may believe they can take power if they manipulate the public opinion, if the other candidate falls or if they cleverly reorganize and take a side. However, it has become necessary for the voters to find out who is behind each of these candidates. The presidential runners should be required to respond to the demands for verification.
JoongAng Ilbo, Dec. 30, Page 30
*The author is the deputy international news editor of the JoongAng Ilbo.
KIM SUNG-TAK
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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