South Korean president calls for constitutional amendment to extend term

South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye said on Monday (October 24) it is the right time to discuss an amendment to the country’s constitution, mainly expected to change the current single-term presidency, before her term is over.

“Through the single-term presidency, it is difficult to maintain policy continuance, see results of policy and engage in unified foreign policy,” said Park in an address to parliament.

The president requested a special committee be established immediately to start the discussions for the amendment.

“To accomplish constitution revision within my (presidential) term, I will set up a government organization and make a bill for constitutional amendment which includes people’s expectation,” she added.

The last amendment to the constitution was made in 1987.