Legislature needs to end 'turmoil'

When the opposition attributed the source of the political and economic upheavals to the poor performance of the Chen administration, some surveys told a somewhat different story. According to one poll conducted by a prominent local monthly magazine, Commonwealth (天下雜誌), most of the interviewees felt that the opposition parties are the main source of the political and economic disorder.

The results of the survey deserve special attention. A unified civil group was able to investigate the background of candidates in South Korea's congressional election last year. The move provided the voters a fair view of the candidates before they cast the votes. If the public can stop these poorly performing legislators from participating in politics, it may help the functioning of the legislature.

Therefore, to effectively improve the performance of Taiwan's legislature, several things must be done quickly. First, as the next congressional election is approaching, a legitimate and fair civil association, composed of experts, academics and members of the media, must be formed to monitor legislator performance.

Second, the media should refrain from reporting major news events staged by certain legislators who try to excuse themselves from wrongdoing. The local press must carefully balance its own commercial interests with its responsibility to educate the public about right and wrong.

Third, a constitutional revision is needed in order to reform the current electoral system. The aim is to enlarge individual legislator's legitimacy and to purify the nature of Taiwan's legislature.

Since Taiwan has just entered a new phase of democratic consolidation, the people of Taiwan have had neither the time nor the information to fairly and objectively assess the performance of the government. Neither have they had the opportunity to fully express their views. Political leaders, the media and the opposition need more time to get settled in the new era as well.

As Taiwan enters the stage of democratic consolidation, it will take more decisiveness and open-mindedness to move forward. The people had high expectations of Chen, believing that he would restore social justice and equality to ensure a brighter future.

In order to realize this aspiration, Chen needs to implement his promises by tackling black gold, revitalizing the economy, rejuvenating government efficiency and improving cross-strait ties.

While the public should exert pressure on the Chen administration, we must also keep a close eye on the performance of the legislature.

Liu Kuan-teh is a Taipei-based political commentator.