"Wrongful incrimination," "slander," "smears," "conjuring things out of the blue," "shameless," "calling a deer a horse" and "distortion." A person accused of such deeds does sound rather objectionable. Yet these were the words used by the campaign headquarters of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the People First Party (PFP) in an advertisement criticizing President Chen Shui-bian (
It is language that would be considered by the average person to be excessive, not to mention the fact that it was directed at the head of state. If this does not constitute the crime of slandering the head of state, as spelled out in the Criminal Code, then what does?
On Saturday, the pan-blue campaign headquarters issued a copy of a speech by KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰). It contained the expression "kickback-taking president" (抽頭型總統), insinuating that Chen is corrupt. Lien did not actually use this in his speech, but local media still quoted it in their reports.
To defend Chen's reputation and counter the blue camp's accusation, first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) yesterday went to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office to file suit against Lien for libel and for using illegitimate means in the course of an election campaign.
Even though Lien did not use the words "kickback-taking president," his headquarters did distribute the handouts. Even if Lien can get away scot-free, the campaign office certainly should not. And even if the law cannot punish Lien, his crew cannot escape the damage their integrity has sustained.
As election day draws closer, both the pan-blue and pan-green camps are trying hard to distinguish themselves. Campaign language is also becoming more vitriolic as the race picks up its pace. The dignity befitting political figures and the style and propriety befitting democratic politics have all been overwhelmed by the desire for victory.
The language used by the pan-blue camp to criticize Chen could act as an apt description of the pan-blue camp as well. Chen's camp has also been indiscreet in its investigation and accusations regarding the Lien family's assets. The crude performances of both sides have dragged this election down to the level of a township representative brawl.
The election campaign has not officially begun, but attacks between the candidates and their parties, saturation media coverage and the over-engagement of the public have resulted in political and social schisms. Candidates should be debating their vision for the nation's future, but now the campaign has gone totally off track. Presidential candidates engage in groundless character assassination. And even if someone has the luck to escape from these killing fields, the winner will be left bereft of dignity. How can someone with so many wounds to his person be able to lead the country?
More and more people are hoping that election season will be over soon. Some are even organizing a group calling on voters to cast invalid votes. Repulsion over the election is spreading quickly. It is a warning sign that both camps should take note of.
It is hoped one of the presidential candidates can set an example by stepping forward and saying, "I would rather lose the election than lose our democracy. Let's end negative campaigning now."
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