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Still hope for Taiwan's democracy

Tomorrow's elections can still be seen as progress in Taiwan's democratic development, despite the turbulence of the past few weeks.

Ethnic sentiments have been a big feature in all previous elections, but not this one. For example, former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) has been pro-mulgating "localization" while campaigning for Taiwan Solidarity Union candidates. But he said anyone who loves Taiwan, regardless of their ethnicity, was welcome to join his soon-to-be formed Taiwan Advocates (群策會) -- a cross-party, multi-ethnic advocacy group.

Taiwan's "politics fever" seems to be subsiding. Consider, for example, Chang Chih-chia (張誌家), the star pitcher of the Chinese Taipei baseball team. He suffered terribly during a recent visit to Taichung City, whose three mayoral candidates are almost level in opinion polls.

First he talked briefly with each of the three -- independent candidate and incumbent Mayor Chang Wen-ying (張溫鷹), the KMT's Jason Hu (胡志強) and the DPP's Michael Tsai (蔡明憲). Then he turned to reporters and told them he wished to stay away from politics. Political harassment is maybe as bad as sexual harassment.

The influence of local factions has obviously declined, with vote captains (樁腳) willing but less able to attract votes. Despite the extravagant talk of candidates at campaign rallies, tired, yawning crowds are all too easily exposed by the TV cameras. And appeals made by candidates in police custody or the tears of their families fail to arouse much public sympathy.

The greatest dramas of the campaign have involved candidates of the same party fighting over heavyweight campaigners. For which camp should Tokyo-based national policy advisor Alice King (金美齡), stump? Which DPP candidate was blocked by the party's other candidates from attending a rally in Chiayi on Monday, where President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) was stumping for them?

Despite the internecine warfare, looking at things from a long-term perspective, the dark clouds over Taiwan's democracy are gradually dispersing. There is hope yet for Taiwan's democracy.

Ping Lu is an ambassador-at-large for Taiwan.

Translated by Eddy Chang
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