Min Hyungbae: "Even a President Elected in an Early Election Should Establish a Transition Committee"

Proposal to Amend the 'Act on Presidential Transition' Submitted
"Addressing Legislative Gaps... Ensuring Continuity and Stability in State Administration"

Min Hyungbae, Member of the National Assembly.

A bill has been proposed to establish a 'National Administration Transition Committee' in preparation for a situation where the president must assume office immediately without a transition committee, as may happen during an early presidential election.

Min Hyungbae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju), announced on the 7th that he has proposed a revision to the 'Act on Presidential Transition' as the main sponsor. The bill stipulates that a president who immediately begins their term due to a vacancy in office can establish and operate a transition committee within 60 days of taking office to ensure a smooth transfer of state affairs.

Currently, according to Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the Public Official Election Act, a president elected due to a vacancy begins their term immediately upon confirmation of election. Unlike regular presidents-elect, who have a transition period to receive a handover through a transition committee, a president elected due to a vacancy must start work immediately upon confirmation.

In 2017, Moon Jaein, who was elected following the impeachment of former President Park Geunhye, also began managing state affairs immediately without a transition committee. At that time, President Moon launched the State Affairs Planning Advisory Committee after his inauguration, which effectively served as a transition team. The transition committee is responsible for outlining the direction of the new administration and facilitating the transfer of duties from the previous government.

Representative Min explained the legislative intent, stating, "A president who starts their term immediately due to a vacancy does not have a smooth transition and lacks sufficient preparation time to address pressing national issues. By establishing a transition committee, we aim to address legislative gaps and promote continuity and stability in state administration."