South Korea's parliament defies martial law in dramatic vote
The National Assembly of South Korea, despite an army blockade attempt, passed a resolution demanding the president lift martial law. The Assembly's chair stated that, "based on this resolution, the president should immediately revoke martial law." However, it remains unclear how the president will respond.
President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared martial law on Tuesday evening local time, accusing the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing government operations.
The decision to impose martial law was a shock not only to the opposition but also to the ruling party. According to South Korean media, many of President Yoon's closest associates were also unaware of his plans.
According to the South Korean constitution, the president is required to inform the National Assembly of his decision. The Assembly can either accept it or pass a resolution calling for the lifting of martial law.
Parliament surrounded by the military
Just before midnight Eastern Time, an extraordinary session of parliament was convened. Unfortunately, many parliamentarians struggled to reach it. The National Assembly buildings were surrounded by the military and police. Soldiers also attempted to storm the building where the session was to take place.
However, access was defended by a crowd of protesting Koreans and the marshall's guard. Protesters assisted parliamentarians heading to the session in getting through the fence.
One of them, Lee Sung Yoon, from the main opposition party, told the BBC that he had to climb a 1.5-metre fence to get into the parliament building because the police blocked his entry, despite presenting his parliamentary ID.
Just before midnight Eastern Time, the resolution calling for the lifting of martial law was adopted with 190 out of 300 National Assembly deputies present. All present voted "for." Among them were 18 representatives of the ruling People's Power Party, from the faction of party leader Han Dong Hoon, along with 172 opposition MPs.
As emphasized by Korean media, this resolution was adopted just 2.5 hours after the president announced the introduction of martial law.
National Assembly Chair Woo Won Sik declared that "based on the National Assembly's request, the president should immediately revoke martial law," adding that his "declaration is now null and void."
What will President Yoon do?
Article 77, Clause 5 of the Republic of Korea's Constitution states that "if the National Assembly requests to revoke martial law with a majority of total members, the president must comply with this request." The problem is that the constitutional provisions do not specify how much time the president has to rescind his decision.
It is also unclear how Yoon will act because on Tuesday, the Chief of Staff of South Korea's Armed Forces, Park An Su, announced a "ban on the activities of parliament, political parties, and all political activities."
After the vote, local television stations showed soldiers withdrawing from the building. Some of them, however, remained on the parliament premises, reported "Chosun Ilbo" daily.
According to this newspaper, the crowd gathered in front of the entrance to the parliament grounds cheered upon hearing the voting results. Chants included calls for President Yoon's resignation and arrest.
Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung stated that anyone acting on Yoon's orders, including military commanders, "is breaking the law" because martial law is invalid.
However, the military believes otherwise, stating that until the president officially rescinds martial law, it will still be in effect.
Parliamentarians remained in the plenary hall of the National Assembly, waiting for the official revocation of the state of emergency.
Source: PAP, chosun.com, cnn.com, yna.co.kr
