New Constitution takes effect in South Korea

President Chun Doo Hwan promulgated South Korea's ninth Constitution, dissolving the current parliament and abolishing existing political parties. Parliamentary functions will now be vested in a 70-member Legislative Council for National Security. It will enact legislation determining the rules for forming new political parties and will screen former politicians wishing to become members. Presidential Chun said that a new multiparty political system will be in operation by December and that presidential elections will be held before March and general elections in April or May.