Following its bruising defeat in the March 22 presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has behaved like a chicken with its head cut off, making lots of noise but without resolute voice, leaving its supporters shaking their heads and wondering what will happen to the party.
At a time of feeble faith and wounded leadership, the DPP is well advised to look to a statement once made by former US president John F. Kennedy in a speech he delivered in April 1959.
“When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity,” he said.
Indeed, times of crisis often provide opportunities for change.
Following DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh’s (謝長廷) resignation after his defeat in the presidential election, the party decided to hold a chairmanship election on May 18. A debate will be held for all candidates on May 10 after the weeklong period for candidacy registration closes tomorrow.
So far, a number of party members of various generations have expressed an interest in the chairmanship.
This is a good sign.
However, as the registration kicks off, there are talks of a generational shift as the old guard is asked to take a backseat in the election, while others have randomly thrown out names to see who is interested in running.
Being the leader of a political party is a serious matter. DPP members should be reminded that the best qualities in a leader lie not in one’s age, appearance or gender, but in the characteristics of the individual.
Just as young hopefuls should not be laughed at for being naive, elderly candidates should not be branded as “out of touch” and cast aside. Nor should someone be put at the forefront simply for assuming the role of “reformer.”
Leadership requires more than just standing at the helm and receiving cheers of support when things are going well. A good leader needs to generate strength and confidence at times of crisis and low spirit, and inspire the country to see the light at the end of tunnel.
The most important quality of all is integrity.
The world of politics does not need any more “political vultures” — those who are fickle on principle and bend too easily.
The party needs a leader who is adamant about upholding the party’s core values.
It is no secret that the majority of DPP supporters are blue-collar workers, but what has the party done in these eight years to improve their living standards?
Since it came to power, we saw the DPP waver on its stances. Different factions busily scrambled for resources, while many forgot what the party stood for — the pursuit of democracy, environmental protection, social justice and help for the disadvantaged.
No doubt the party has disappointed many, losing supporters along the way.
If the DPP wishes to regain the trust and support of the public, the future chairperson needs to walk on firm ground, holding fast to the party’s founding spirit, believing in the party’s core values.
So, at the time of “crisis,” will the change be for better or for worse?
Will the DPP rebound successfully?
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