The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is gearing up to hold candidate nominations for next year’s presidential election and there is a lot of media speculation over the party primary. Furthermore, with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) popularity currently sky-high, all eyes are focused on him and what role he might play.
Aside from candidate selection, it is crucial that the DPP puts the right people in the right places, wins over Taiwan’s elite, puts forward a vision for the nation’s future and develops a coherent policy strategy.
The DPP has gained much momentum following its success in last year’s nine-in-one elections and the party has set its sights on regaining power next year. DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) was previously a shoo-in to be the party’s candidate. However, senior party figure Koo Kwang-ming (辜寬敏) is extremely active, while Tainan Mayor William Lai (賴清德) — though he has said he will not throw his hat into the ring — should be watched closely.
The DPP now has a fighting chance of taking the reins of power. The nomination process, candidates’ essential qualities and policy direction are all areas that the electorate can comment on.
Opinions differ as to whether it is a good idea for the DPP to carry out nominations at such an early stage. However, since the process is not based on an appointed number of “made-to-measure” candidates, any interested party may seek nomination.
An early start then makes good sense, so that interested parties have ample time to prepare. Furthermore, candidate selection by opinion poll has been going on for many years — so as long as it does not cause undue obstruction, it can be a useful and representative tool.
The key qualities for presidential election candidates differ for each party, but they do share some basic common requirements: administration and leadership skills, the ability to form an effective team, broad-mindedness, an international outlook, academic accomplishment, the ability to develop an argument, a rational and enterprising style, a deep understanding of popular opinion and an ability to empathize with the needs and concerns of the electorate.
It is impossible for every contender to be proficient in all those attributes. In the worst-case scenario, their advisers dare not give them honest and forthright advice, and the politicians themselves are unable to take any form of criticism. The last two Taiwanese presidents have made the mistake of surrounding themselves with a small team of advisers selected from a narrow group of people. Future presidents should avoid making the same mistake.
As Taiwan’s president, it is essential to respond to the rapidly changing international and domestic socio-economic situation — in particular the continued influence of China and the US. A future president must walk a delicate tightrope: On the one hand they must refrain from making rash moves or engaging in alarmist talk, while they must also avoid burying their head in the sand or making vacuous statements that dwell on trivial matters.
Most candidates will be experienced political operators, and voters are well aware of their talents. The media have a responsibility to provide detailed analysis: Aside from focusing on candidates’ attributes and eligibility to run for office, their policy plans and implementation must be fully explored. The public have the right to hold the main parties and their candidates to account.
Taiwan can throw off the talent-show phenomenon: Policy is of equal importance to the candidates themselves — this is the meaning of new politics for a new generation. The DPP has taken the lead by implementing presidential candidate nominations and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is not far behind.
It is 15 years into the 21st century and the era of personality cults is past. What the public wants is a pragmatic and down-to-earth president with the ability to organize a team, someone who solves problems and will urgently work toward reforming profiteering practices.
Taiwan faces many internal problems and multiple challenges to its international standing, while the fragility of the global economy should not be underestimated. Next year’s presidential election is linked to the lives and livelihoods of all Taiwanese.
The burden is heavy and the road is long. The public must push with all their might for a rational political party, led by a rational leader.
Lin Chia-cheng is a former minister of examinations.
Translated by Edward Jones
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