Local autonomy, won against military dictatorship [Seong Han-yong Column]

South Korea's path to local autonomy has been a long and arduous one, marked by periods of progress and significant setbacks. The 1948 constitution enshrined local self-governance, but this was systematically dismantled by military regimes.

Following the 1960 April 19 Revolution, a brief period of democratic reform allowed for local elections, including for the Seoul mayor. However, Park Chung-hee's 1961 military coup led to the dissolution of local councils and the appointment of officials by the central government. The subsequent Yushin Constitution under Park and the military government of Chun Doo-hwan further suppressed local autonomy, with provisions delaying or indefinitely postponing local elections.

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I have fought for the realization of local autonomy throughout my entire legislative career. If politician Kim Dae-jung were to be given a nickname, 'Mr. Local Autonomy' would be the most fitting.

Local autonomy finally re-emerged after the 1987 democratization movement. The National Assembly abolished the interim measures and revised the Local Autonomy Act to allow for the election of local government heads. Despite initial delays, a compromise led to local council elections in 1991, followed by the first nationwide simultaneous local elections in 1995 under President Kim Young-sam, restoring a system that had been absent for 34 years.

While local autonomy has developed steadily since its revival, with former local leaders increasingly entering national politics and even becoming presidents, the article argues that the journey is far from over. Strengthening local decentralization and transferring significant authority from the central government to local authorities are crucial for further democratic development and balanced national growth. The author also stresses the importance of voter participation, noting that current low turnout hinders progress, and urges candidates to remain committed to their promises and responsive to community needs.

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I have a firm conviction that a country without local autonomy is not a democratic country.