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Large-scale reform of legislature is required

`Why do legislators rank so poorly in terms of trustworthiness? Whose fault is it?'

Candidate registration for the legislative elections has ended. Next month's polls will have 296 hopefuls contending for 79 district and Aboriginal seats and 34 at-large seats. Amid the change to single-district elections, competition in many districts will be of unprecedented fierceness.

Legislators are key figures in representative democracy, a position often pursued by the elite of every political party. The problem is, Taiwanese legislators do not have a positive image.

The overall impression of the legislature is not only poor, but it is getting worse. Its ranking in various surveys on public credibility is usually last or second to last.

Taiwan used to have the so-called "10,000 year" legislators, also known as the "old thieves." But the overhaul that downgraded the National Assembly and upgraded the Legislative Yuan not only failed to improve the situation, it earned legislators the title of "monsters." Even the move to reduce the number of legislative seats by half and implement new election policies have not inspired a reformed atmosphere.

Why do legislators rank so poorly in terms of trustworthiness? Whose fault is it? This must be considered in terms of system and behavior. In reality, the legal definition of the functions of the legislature has long been a neglected issue.

For instance, the procedure of ratifying legislation -- including the lack of transparency in the formation and functioning of committees and the negotiation mechanisms between parties -- and reasonable rules of engagement have never been established. This has served to create doubts among those outside the system, who complain about the complete lack of transparency.

Another example is that information about the legislative agenda is not made public, which not only goes against the public's right to know what is going on, but also fosters a tendency among legislators to grandstand during question and answer sessions, in complete opposition to the democratic principles of rational political discourse in the legislature.

An opposition legislator recently insulted a female government official, and then tried to cover up his misbehavior. Imagine, if the debate process were broadcast in its entirety to allow public scrutiny. Wouldn't the behavior of these legislators be much more restrained? They would at least have to think about the image they are projecting to viewers, and perhaps alter their style accordingly.

The legislature should pass the five laws that regulate the Legislative Yuan and associated regulations with all speed, to put an end to lawmakers' conservative, ostrich-like mentality and allow the broadcasting of floor debates to the public.

The legislature's efficiency and level of sophistication can only be elevated by targeting both policy and conduct. Without large-scale reform, voters will become increasingly detached from the political system, believing that the legislature is only capable of acting in its own self-interest with no regard for the public.

Allowing the legislature to continue as it has been would not only make it an embarrassment but also destroy public confidence in democracy.

Ku Chung-hwa is chairman of Citizen Congress Watch.

Translated by Angela Hong
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