재 ․ 보궐선거의 현황과 과제: 책임정당정치의 복원

Abstract

This study has a somewhat critical perspective on the current system of by-elections and proposes solutions for the institutional development. The current system has been against the responsible party politics in a sense that it does not impose any penalties on the candidates and his/her parties who cased by-elections. On the basis of a critical perspective, this paper provides a few solutions for the institutional reforms. The first proposal is the abolition of the current by-election system. Second and third, the imposition of election cost should be on the candidates and his/her parties who cased by-elections. Fourth, the next runner-up in the previous election can take over the vacant position. Fifth, to run for another elective office should not be allowed by Public Official Election Act. Sixth, a national level election pledge should not be allowed because it cases public distrust. Lastly, it is a proper time to discuss the downsize of public financed election management. Ordinary citizens have a negative perspective on the frequent by-elections because of the huge cost of taxes. The current system of by-elections does not accord with the responsible party politics because it does not impose any penalties on the candidates and his/her parties who cased by-elections. At least, they must give up candidacy deposit and election campaign reimbursement money. This paper possibly provides insights of responsible party politics in a sense that Korean society should disconnect the new institutional settings of by-elections from old and bad previous practices. This might be the best way to secure the consolidation of representative democracy through recovering political trust and political efficacy.