South Korean lawmakers impeach president over bungled martial law declaration

South Korean lawmakers on Saturday impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his bungled bid to impose martial law as the political crisis inside one of America’s key allies in Asia entered a new phase.

The 204-85 vote by National Assembly met the required two-thirds majority to pass, and Yoon was officially suspended from his presidential duties.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo became acting president while Yoon awaits a decision by the nation’s highest court on whether to uphold the removal vote. Yoon vowed a vigorous appeal,

“I will do my best in the stable governance of our country,” Han told reporters after the impeachment vote, according to NBC News.

Celebrations erupted in the streets of Seoul after the vote as nearly two weeks of anger melted into relief that a political crisis that has gripped the Asian democracy was moving toward resolution.

“Dear people, now go and enjoy the year-end parties,” National General Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik declared.

The crisis, which began two weeks ago when Yoon declared martial law , was overridden by lawmakers, and then the rescinded the order, has pitted the liberal  party in control of the National Assembly against its conservative leadership in the Blue House.

Some of Yoon’s own party members joined the opposition to vote for the impeachment.

The impeachment article declared that Yoon’s imposition of martial law was unconstitutional  because there was no real national emergency and that he neglected to follow required procedures, such as notifying the National Assembly.