The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) presidential candidates traversed the nation yesterday in last-minute attempts to boost support ahead of today's presidential election.
In emotional pleas to supporters ahead of today's poll, the DPP's Frank Hsieh (
Speaking at his campaign headquarters in Taipei earlier yesterday, Hsieh asked voters to exercise caution when they cast their ballots, saying Taiwan's future relied on an awakening of its people.
"[Today's] election is not just an election but an important decision of the people," he said. "Your vote is not to add flowers to embroidery but to offer fuel in snowy weather."
Leading his campaign team in a bow to the public, Hsieh said if elected, he would rectify the shortcomings of the current DPP administration.
"I will do better and I will not let you down," he said.
Hsieh promised, if elected, to restore political stability in a speedy manner and end political infighting. He also pledged to mend the fractures caused during the election process, implement his economic policy to increase individual incomes, lower unemployment, create a safe environment for children and women and establish social justice.
"We are humble before the people," he said. "We are asking you to cast the sacred ballot in your hand for the hope of Taiwan and its future."
In related news, Hsieh yesterday thanked former Academia Sinica president and Nobel laureate Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) for his support and promised to be more humble towards the opposition and the people.
"With its three-quarters majority, the KMT can easily drive me out of office," he said. "I will follow the Constitution and cannot afford to make a mistake."
He promised, if elected, to implement "reconciliation and co-existence," which he said has been his political belief since he entered politics.
"There is no one who I cannot cooperate or reconcile with," Hsieh said. "I do it for the sake of the people."
To avoid political confrontation, Hsieh said he would respect the majority party in the legislature and negotiate with the KMT on the appointment of the premier.
While he would set the policy for cross-strait relations, foreign affairs and national defense, Hsieh said he would let the premier take care of the rest.
While he is in favor of opening up further to China, he said a Taiwan-centered consciousness and national interests must be upheld.
He also pledged to make an all-out effort to ease political tensions, saying with the end of the election, the battle between those who support President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and those who support his KMT rival Ma would come to an end.
Saying he was impressed by Hsieh's "reconciliation and co-existence" concept, Lee said that he was steadfast in his support for Hsieh this time, unlike his last-minute endorsement of Chen in the 2000 presidential election.
Lee said he would like to see Hsieh bring change to the country, meet the people's expectations and establish a government that is free of corruption.
In related news, former DPP chairman Lin I-hsiung (林義雄) yesterday endorsed the DPP ticket, saying it would only be conducive to the country's democratic development if there were two political forces checking each other's power.
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