Yeo Jo-kyung-tae: "Proportional Representation System Must Be Abolished to Reduce National Assembly Members by Over 100"

"Proportional Representatives Appointed by Leadership Cause Nomination Controversies"
"Often Used as a Stepping Stone for Running in Constituencies"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Jo Kyung-tae, a five-term member of the People Power Party, argued on the 25th that the number of National Assembly members should be reduced by abolishing the proportional representation system.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day, Rep. Jo stated, "The public now says that even 300 National Assembly members are too many," and added, "The political circle should take the lead in discussing the abolition of proportional representation to reduce the number of National Assembly members." He claimed, "I believe it is appropriate to reduce the number of National Assembly members by at least 100," and "The number of members can be significantly reduced through a large multi-member constituency system."

He also expressed concerns that the original purpose of introducing proportional representation has faded. Rep. Jo pointed out, "Proportional representatives are not elected by the public but appointed by some leadership, causing continuous nomination controversies," and added, "The purpose of proportional representation has disappeared, and it has been used for factional politics, lining up politics, and protecting vested interests."

He continued, "The proportional representation system has made the two-party system more solidified and even led to the emergence of cunning satellite parties. The National Assembly has become a place where democracy regresses and political strife runs rampant," and criticized, "We have witnessed an unprecedented event in constitutional history where all opposition party members, especially those from the Democratic Party of Korea, boycotted the president's policy speech."

In response to the question, "Doesn't proportional representation represent professions and expertise?" he replied, "Not all constituency members of the National Assembly pay close attention to professional fields," and added, "Since constituency members also possess expertise, the proportional representation system, which means representing professions and substituting expertise, has run its course." He further stated, "Rather, the current proportional representation system is mainly used as a stepping stone to enter constituency seats."

He emphasized, "If I become party leader, I will make the abolition of the proportional representation system the party's official stance and will definitely abolish it through appeals to the public and negotiations with opposition parties."