A group of security officers completed a special training program yesterday in preparation for the presidential election.
National Security Bureau director Tsai Chao-ming (
PHOTO: CHIEN JUNG-FENG, TAIPEI TIMES
Tsai said the program was part of bureau efforts to ensure the safety of the presidential and vice presidential candidates in the run-up to the March 20 election.
Tsai said the program included training in anti-terrorist skills and tactics. The bureau has also purchased new equipment to enhance operational efficiency, including satellite phones, portable X-ray machines, anti-blast devices and state-of-the-art firearms and vehicles. Much of the new equipment was imported from Germany and the US.
"We will maintain security during the election period with the best equipment and the most careful preparation," Tsai said.
The election marks the third time the nation will have directly elected its president and vice president.
Tsai said that although there were fewer contenders than in previous elections, the competition was fiercer. He reminded officers to abide by the principles of "administrative neutrality and the rule of law" in performing their duties.
"We are not supposed to work for any partisan or personal interests," Tsai said, adding that all security officers should exercise the utmost discipline in carrying out their work.
Security officers will provide special protection for presidential and vice presidential candidates from Jan. 31 through to March 21.
Candidate registration begins on Jan. 31 and ends on Feb. 6.
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