Tue, Feb 17, 2009 - Page 3 News List

INTERVIEW:Green Party unafraid of longshot in by-election

Although the Green Party Taiwan (GPT) had originally planned to nominate US-born naturalized-Taiwanese Robin Winkler to represent the party in the legislative by-election for Taipei City’s Da-an District next month, a clause in the Nationality Act forced the GPT to name former party secretary-general Calvin Wen instead. Wen sat down with ‘Taipei Times’ staff reporter Meggie Lu last Wednesday to speak about the party’s mission and its slim chance of winning

On the other hand, our chances may not be so slim Although 60 percent to 70 percent of voters in the Da-an District traditionally support the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), the controversy surrounding [former KMT legislator] Diane Lee [李慶安] could make people rethink their support and perhaps not vote for the KMT. Therefore, these voters’ ballots are still up for grabs.

We have suggested that the Central Election Commission hold a debate for all candidates so that voters can get a better grasp of our views.

TT: If you are elected, the GPT will have only one seat in the legislature. How would you plan on utilizing your only seat?

Wen: We know that in the legislature we are unlikely to win votes in policy proposals. As such I would act as the people’s watchdog in the legislature and report to voters any injustice and pocketing or exchanging of funds I see, hear and witness.

Instead of engaging in political mudslinging, I would inspect the legal system from the bottom up and seek improvements. I would of course propose laws, but I understand that it will take time [for them to be accepted].

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