The scandal engulfing South Korean President Park Geun-hye has plunged her conservative Saenuri Party into turmoil and cast the country’s political landscape into disarray as it heads into an election year.
Park’s approval rating has been dragged to an all-time low of just 17.5 per cent in a Realmeter poll as prosecutors investigate whether an old acquaintance exerted inappropriate influence over state affairs and gained personally from their friendship.
The opposition has been moving carefully since the crisis involving Park’s friend Choi Soon-sil erupted, refraining from demanding the president step down or raising the idea of impeachment.
If Park gives up her position, the law requires that an election be held in 60 days. Analysts say the opposition is unprepared to take on the ruling party in such a high stakes contest so soon. The winner of such an election would be entitled to serve a full five-year term.
The presidential election is due in December 2017.
“If Park steps down, this will drive everyone mad as they have been preparing with a full year to campaign in mind,” said Kim Man-heum, head of the Korea Academy of Politics and Leadership.