Reformulating the party-list proportional representatives to proportional future generations representatives: The Korean case

Abstract

Although electorates and elected representatives have power over decisions, which can seriously shape future living conditions, future generations self-evidently lack capacity to influence present political decisions. To resolve this paradox, this study advocates for a new institutional approach by reserving some of the seats in legislative bodies to represent the rights of future generations. Examining the Korean National Assembly as a relevant sample, the study proposes the currently existing Party- List Proportional Representatives system-by reformulating or switching their function and role-to act as representatives for future generations.