South Korea's parliament is voting on a second joint motion by opposition parties to impeach President Jun Suk Jeol after imposing martial law for six hours. Protesters have gathered in front of parliament in Seoul and other major cities to want Jun removed from power.
On Saturday, the South Korean parliament will decide on the impeachment of South Korean President Jun Suk Jeol. An application in this regard was submitted by six opposition parties.
After 4:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. Polish time), the vote on the impeachment of the head of state began in parliament. The BBC, citing Korean media, reported that the result is expected at 5:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. Polish time).
SEE ALSO: He introduced martial law and explains why. “I won't give up”
The president of South Korea declared martial law on December 3, which he lifted six hours later under pressure from the National Assembly. Jun Suk Jeol is the first serving president of South Korea banned from leaving the country. This measure was applied after he was placed under investigation in connection with allegations including: coup and abuse of power.
The president avoided impeachment last Saturday after deputies of the ruling People's Democratic Party boycotted the vote on the opposition's motion by leaving the meeting room.
Opposition parties need at least eight votes from the People's Democratic Party to impeach Jun. Now they have 192 out of 300 votes. An impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority. Before the vote, there was information that some politicians of the ruling party would vote for impeachment, which makes Jun's removal from power more likely.
An effigy resembling the South Korean president at a protest in front of the parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
If impeached, Jun would lose power but remain in office until Constitutional Tribunal will remove him from office or reinstate him. If the tribunal decides that Jun should step down as president or he resigns himself, presidential elections would have to be held within 60 days. Then the duties of the head of state would be performed by the Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo.
Jun announced on Thursday that he would “fight until the end.”
Protests in Korea
Polls in Korea show that three-quarters of all respondents supported impeachment. On Saturday, protesters began to gather near parliament. Some K-pop stars have criticized the president and plan to donate food and drinks to those participating in the demonstrations.
Protesters outside the parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
Protests are taking place not only in Seoul, but also in many other large cities. Protesters are demanding Jun's immediate resignation and calling on the ruling party to vote for impeachment.
Protesters outside the parliament in SeoulPAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN
Reuters, Yonhap News, BBC
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN