SEOUL, December 24. /TASS/. The South Korean Democratic Party (DPK), representing the main opposition force in the country's parliament, has decided to delay the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck Soo by several days, Yonhap reported.
"We have decided to wait patiently to see if our demands are met by Thursday," said Park Chan Dae, leader of the party's parliamentary faction. Earlier, he had announced plans to initiate the procedure at 5:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. GMT) on Tuesday. The Democratic Party seeks clarification on whether the acting president will appoint new members to the Constitutional Court.
"Thursday is the final opportunity. The acting president must uphold the power of the people and contribute to ending the rebellion," Park Chan Dae stated. He added that the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, could submit a motion to impeach Han Duck Soo on Thursday. If submitted, the motion would be introduced at the National Assembly’s plenary session on Friday. A vote on the motion may take place no earlier than 24 hours after its presentation at the plenary session but no later than 72 hours.
On December 14, the South Korean parliament announced the impeachment of the head of state. Now, the Constitutional Court must decide whether to confirm the MPs' decision or reinstate Yoon Suk Yeol in office. The president needs to receive votes from at least six of the nine judges to remove him from power, and there are currently three vacant seats on the court.
DPK Chairman Lee Jae Myung said earlier that his party will not seek the impeachment of Han Duck Soo.