SEOUL, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Tuesday proposed introducing a U.S.-style presidency in place of the current single five-year term.
In a special televised address, Roh said the proposed presidential system that allows a four-year double term presidency will create more stable governments.
"I suggest that the constitution be amended to allow a four-year double term presidency," Roh said.
South Korea has adopted a single-term presidency of five years since 1987 when it moved to democracy, barring the president from seeking a second term in office. Roh's five-year single term ends in early 2008.
"It's time to change the current five-year single-term presidency introduced in 1987 to prevent extended rules by authoritarian military governments," Roh said.
"The two-term presidency is expected to resolve a lot of drawbacks associated with the single-term presidency, which include the absence of policy consistency and continuity and the responsible management of state affairs," he said.
The proposal was made ahead of the country's presidential election slated for December.
Chances seem slim for the victory of Roh's ruling camp in the election because its popularity has remained at a record low.
The popular main opposition Grand National Party blasted Roh's proposal as a "political move" to influence the presidential election.
