My heart sank when television broadcasts showed Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) leading the ballot count, one hour after voting closed. When it later emerged that President Chen Shui-bian (
While I could empathize with Lien's resentment at having lost a second presidential election, I was dismayed at his declaration that the election was unfair and should be nullified.
Time indeed is no longer on the side of Lien and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), who will be 72 and 66-years-old, respectively, in 2008. But I am perplexed that in their desire to assume the presi-dency, they have no reservations in casting a doubt over the democracy and integrity of the governmental organizations in Taiwan.
The entire world is sitting up and looking at the statements made by Lien and Soong. Is this how they display their so-called love for Taiwan?
Regardless of whether the pan-blue camp lost by 30,000 votes or 1 vote, the fact remains that they should respect the wishes of the majority of the voters. It should not matter even if some voters chose to vote for the pan-green camp as a result of the assassination attempt. In a democracy, every one should be respected for their choice of vote, regardless of the reason or factor.
The post-election actions of Lien and Soong would definitely have proven that both men are not suitable for the presidency. Instead of being magnanimous and gracefully accepting the fact that they are still not the choice of the majority of voters, both chose to adopt the behavior of a sore loser, out to create chaos for the country. It is ironical that Lien and Soong have called for their supporters to remain calm when it is clearly evident that their speech and actions are tailored to incite their supporters to create chaos and social unrest.
US vice president Al Gore was denied his legitimate victory in the 2000 election, even though he won the popular vote. But in Lien's case, it was clear he lost the popular vote. Yet he still shamelessly refuse to concede defeat.
The Taiwanese people have been fortunate not to have elected a man of such character to lead the nation.
Congratulations to Chen, the DPP and Taiwan in general -- a good man has indeed been elected. Sadly, the celebrations have been marred by two sore losers.
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