KMT, PFP politicians stand out from the crowd at protests

The protest rally against the result of the election was still going on in front of the Presidential Office at press time. But it seems that pan-blue politicians made themselves more noticeable than the crowds of protesters.

Pan-blue supporters were outraged by the result of the election and demanded a recount. They surrounded the district courts in various places and clashed with police at the weekend.

In Kaohsiung, People First Party (PFP) Legislator Chiu Yi (邱毅) stood on the back of a truck and led the crowd to break down the gate of the Kaohsiung District Court on Sunday. The police are investigating Chou's involvement.

"I will initiate a referendum to impeach [President] Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), and I also demand that the Chen administration publish all the details about the incident in which Chen was shot, because there are too many strange things surrounding the shooting," Chou said.

In Taichung, PFP Legislator Shen Chih-hwei (沈智慧) led the crowd gathered in front of the Taichung District Court, demanding the seizure and recount of ballots.

In Taipei, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) took part in the sit-in demonstration in front of the Presidential Office. They were accompanied by several PFP and KMT legislators. PFP legislators Chin Hwei-chu (秦慧珠), Diane Lee (李慶安), her brother Lee Ching-hua (李慶華) and several other PFP legislators took turns talking to the crowd. KMT legislators including John Chang (章孝嚴) and Mu Ming-chu (穆閩珠) also showed up.

Although Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) accompanied Lien and Soong at the sit-in, he did not comment on the election result, and kept his distance from the crowd. Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), also tried to keep his distance. He avoided participating in Lien and Soong's rally, and even urged the crowd in front of the Presidential Office to disperse.