Taiwan Votes for Change

On 24-27 November 2014, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), with the support of the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) spearheaded a 9-in-1 election observation mission in Taiwan with a visit to three major cities – Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan.

It was a cold and gloomy evening in Taipei on 24 November when delegates from different CALD member parties across Asia, and two from the German Liberal Youth, gathered for the welcome dinner with the officials of DPP and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD).  After DPP Secretary General Joseph Wu officially welcomed the delegates with a toast, there were countless exchange of views and perspectives among the delegates about the significance of the elections over chopsticks and bowls.

On 25 November, the group started with an informative and comprehensive briefing about the dynamics and system of election in Taiwan at the Central Election Commission (CEC).  The delegation then headed to Tainan City, the Green City of the South, through the High Speed Rail.  Upon arrival to the city, the observers noticed a flock of police officers ready to convoy for the motorcade of incumbent Mayor William Lai of the DPP, who is still widely favored to be re-elected.  As this “street sweeping” found its way to the local campaign headquarters, a short and informal interview with Mayor Lai and other candidates was conducted.

The election mission observers proceeded to Taichung City on day two, 26 November. In this city in central Taiwan, it was a close race between the incumbent Jason Hu of Koumintang (KMT) and DPP’s Lin Chia-lung.  While the visit was short one, the members of the CALD delegation were able to ask several questions about the background of the candidates, their campaign strategies and techniques and how the DPP challenger would manage to reorganize the city if he wins.

On the same day, the observers headed to the headquarters of Dr. Ko Wen-je, an independent candidate in Taipei city, whom the DPP opted to support.  The delegates witnessed firsthand the widespread support for the candidacy of Dr. Ko from all sectors of society.  The delegation also had the chance to post questions about the campaign in a forum facilitated by the President of Taiwan Brain Trust and former DPP Director for Foreign Affairs, Shih-Chung Liu.

Thursday, 27 November was the last day of the election mission for the CALD delegates. The itinerary led them to the DPP head office in Taipei. Here, Secretary General Wu gratefully thanked the CALD delegates and other election observers for visiting their country and for their interest in the upcoming elections. Together with DPP Foreign Affairs Director, Dr. Ketty Chen, they entertained some questions and enlightened the observers about the major political issues, the economic situation, the Sunflower Movement, their support for Hong Kong, and the 9-in-1 elections in general. Afterwards, the mission was formally ended with a sumptuous luncheon.

After the results of the 29 November elections became known showing the DPP to be the overall winner, the party’s chairperson, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen said: “We can rejoice; but starting from tonight, we must also view the Chinese Nationalist Party’s defeat as a lesson. Because if a government does not stand on the side of the people, the people will take back the right to govern they have entrusted with us… Tonight’s election results are a historical prologue for change. As a politician, we only have one principle: facing with the power of the people, we should only become more humble.”