Korean Assembly OKs Direct Elections : New Consitution Approved 254-4; Referendum Expected Oct. 27

The National Assembly overwhelmingly approved a new constitution today that would allow direct presidential elections and bring other democratic reforms after stormy demonstrations last June.

“It’s a historical document. We have opened a new era,” said Rep. Lee Min Sup, spokesman for the governing Democratic Justice Party.

Government and opposition legislators joined to pass the measure by a 254-4 vote. Officials expect a national referendum Oct. 27 and predict that the measure will pass easily. It would then become law when a new president is scheduled to take office.

“We hope it will lay down a firm foundation for our march toward democratization and politics through dialogue,” said Rep. Kim Hyun Kyu, floor leader of the main opposition Reunification Democratic Party.

It was the first constitution jointly drafted by rival political groups since independence was restored to Korea after the Japanese surrender in 1945 and the peninsula was divided into north and south.

The new constitution strengthens the role of Parliament by reducing the power of the president and restoring parliamentary rights to audit and inspect state affairs. It also improves provisions for press freedom and a free labor movement.

It was rewritten after President Chun Doo Hwan bowed to opposition demands to hold direct presidential elections and enact other political reforms after nationwide anti-government protests in June.

The opposition complained that the old electoral college system of choosing a president favored the party in power.

An election, the first direct president balloting in 16 years, will be held before Dec. 20 to pick a successor to Chun, whose term expires Feb. 24.

Roh Tae Woo, president of the governing party, and Kim Young Sam, president of the Reunification Democratic Party, have declared that they will run.

Kim Dae Jung, also of the Reunification Democrats, is expected to announce his candidacy soon. Kim Jong Pil, a former prime minister under the late president Park Chung Hee, also has indicated that he will enter the race.

Amid growing concern that the split between Kim Young Sam and Kim Dae Jung would benefit Roh, 13 members of the opposition party called today for the selection of a single candidate by a party ballot showdown.