S. Korea backs Chun changes

Press, 24 October 1980, Page 6

S. Korea backs Chun changes

i NZPA-Reuter Seoul; President Chun Doo Hwanl has been given a clear mandate to abolish South Korea’s present political parties and dissolve the Parliament. The more than 20 million electors ' participating on Wednesday in the referendum on his new Constitution returned . an overwhelming 91.8 per cent “yes” vote. Despite calls by student militants for a boycott, a record 95.5 per cent of voters, turned out in bright autumn sunshine to register their ballots. The response of the people will be interpreted as a vote of approval for President Chun and his policies since, the former Army strongman became Head of State three months ago. it will strengthen the Gov-i ernment’s hand in countering foreign criticism, especially from the United States and Japan, of its treatment of dissidents. .

I; The final results of the referendum will not be ;(known until late today of’ .• early tomorrow. President i Chun was expected to .pto- ‘ mulgate the new Constitution at a ceremony in the Sejong Cultural Centre in Seoul on Monday. The present Parliament • and political parties will be • automatically abolished im- ; mediately the new Con- ,1 stitution becomes law. and legislative powers will be < transferred to a military- ' dominated Legislative Council for National Security. > Among the first tasks of : this body will be to enact , laws laying down the basic rules for the formation of new political parties and a } system of screening present ’ politicians wishing to continue in politics. < ; - The council will hold (power until a new parliament is sworn in after a Genera] Election in April or May next year. Presidential elections are to be held be'fore March.