The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday formally announced its list of candidates for legislator-at-large posts. The nominations feature a substantial increase in the number of women and guarantees the participation of minority groups in the political process.
Having held five meetings on the issue of legislator-at-large nominations over the past two months, the DPP yesterday finalized its decisions after the Central Executive Committee meeting held yesterday, which was under "100 percent of endorsement and responsability" of its chairman, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).
Among a total of 31 candidates for legislator-at-large nominations, 10 seats were allocated to women. The 17 nominees at the top of the list will be virtually guaranteed legislator-at-large spots, which are allocated according to the proportion of ballots that the party wins in the December legislative elections.
"The DPP's legislator-at-large nominations take into consideration several concerns, and we especially focused on offering opportunities to excellent candidates who are women and to promoting minority groups' political participation," Chen said. "We are confident that such a group, produced with a belief in reform, will be recognized by the majority of voters."
The DPP's nomination list for legislator-at-large posts was categorized into three groups: the political group, which was chosen through a vote by party members and a public opinion survey; the expert and academics group; and the overseas legislator-at-large group, both of which were selected by the party's nomination committee, comprised of eight members, including Chen. The list alternated nominees from the political group and the experts and academics group. The overseas legislators-at-large group included six candidates.
In the experts and academics group, female nominees seized four out of the nine spots that are considered the safest seats. DPP Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung (
Most of the nominees are not yet DPP members, and they will have to join the party before the elections in accordance with Central Election Committee regulations, Deputy Secretary-General Chung Chia-pin (
However, surprisingly enough, legislator-at-large hopeful You Ying-lung (
"It is unavoidable that some talented people will be left out in every nomination process," Chung said. "But the DPP will definitely seek these individuals' help and find a niche for them."
But Chung refused to confirm speculation that You will become a member of the Cabinet once it is reshuffled next March.
"The DPP hopes this roster will attract more outstanding women to join in the effort to pursue democracy and progress, and also shows our concern for minorities," Chung added.
Top 17 nominees:
1. Tsai Huang-liang, legislator
2. Chen Hsiu-hui, member of the Council of Indigenous Peoples' women's committee
3. Hong Chi-chang, legislator
4. Chang Chun-hsiung, DPP secretary-general
5. Kao Jyh-peng, legislator
6. Tsai Ing-wen, former chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council
7. Hsueh Ling, managing director of Sunny Bank
8. Wang Jung-chang, secretary-general of Taiwan's Disabled Alliance
9. You Ching, DPP legislator
10. Chang Ching-hui, former National Assembly member
11. Lin Cho-shui, legislator
12. Lu Tien-lin, president of the Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions
13. Tien Chiou-chin, leader of environmental movements
14. Huang Hsu-ying, chairwoman of the League of Taiwan Women
15. Chiu Yeong-jen, legislator
16. Wang To-far, head of the Taiwan Professors Association
17. Hsu Jung-shu, legislator
Source: TT
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