People Power Party Abstains from Constitutional Amendment Vote, Proposes New Committee

People Power Party lawmakers abstained from voting on a constitutional amendment at the National Assembly on May 7. They proposed forming a bipartisan committee in the second half of the 22nd National Assembly to discuss a comprehensive amendment covering everything from the preamble to the restructuring of power.

After a party meeting, lawmakers stated, "We will resolutely oppose any rushed, piecemeal constitutional amendments that disregard the public's will," and pledged to prepare a responsible amendment that upholds the spirit of the Constitution and the rule of law.

They emphasized that the value of the Constitution lies in the protection of the rule of law and the consensus of the people, describing it as the most sacred social contract between the citizens and the state. They asserted that the sovereign people have delegated power to the state through this contract, and both the president and the National Assembly, as representatives of the people, must faithfully uphold constitutional principles.

The lawmakers criticized the government and ruling party for attempting to undermine the judicial system with measures like the 'Special Prosecutor Law on Dismissal of Charges,' which they described as a plot to destroy the judiciary. They warned that pushing for unilateral amendments that violate the rule of law is a betrayal of the people and a direct challenge to the sovereign.

They outlined five principles for the proposed amendment, insisting it should enhance and restore the spirit of the Constitution rather than weaken the separation of powers. They called for a public discourse involving the National Assembly, civil society, and academia to inform the amendment process.

The lawmakers stressed that the preamble must reflect a unified historical perspective that safeguards Korea's legitimacy, incorporating significant events such as the Busan Uprising, the May 18 Democratic Movement, the founding of the nation, the Korean War, and other pivotal moments in the history of South Korea's democracy.

They argued that amendments should not be conducted behind closed doors by those undermining the rule of law but should instead be a 'people-participatory amendment' centered on the sovereign. They urged an end to political maneuvers that divide the nation and called for bipartisan cooperation based on checks and balances. Furthermore, they stated that constitutional amendments should not be used as a political tool during election periods but should be pursued calmly when elections are not imminent.