Civil society groups have initiated recall votes against Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators in 18 constituencies nationwide, submitting more than 100,000 signatures to the Central Election Commission on Monday last week, the first working day after the Lunar New Year holiday.
A new wave of activism and awareness has surged in Taiwan. Political observers believe participants of the recall movement come from across the political spectrum, with people joining the petitions not only including supporters of the pan-green camp, but also die-hard blues from military dependents’ villages who are furious about the opposition lawmakers’ ridiculous betrayal of the country.
Therefore, it is not a partisan political struggle, but a symbol of Taiwanese resistance against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CPP) infiltration and the protection of democratic values. This is also an important test of whether Taiwanese would choose protecting the country over selling it to China.
The KMT and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) are cooperating with the CCP, abusing their legislative power to damage the nation’s democratic system.
Taiwanese should not stand idly by. Instead, they should demonstrate their power as democratic citizens in this recall movement to safeguard our country’s dignity and democratic way of life.
This movement demonstrates Taiwanese civic awareness, in which people unite to guard Taiwan’s democracy. The CCP thought it could bribe legislators with benefits and control the legislature to upend Taiwan. Their actions have provoked a backlash.
The KMT and TPP legislators thought the ruling party would not dare to initiate a recall vote. This is why they have recklessly promoted unconstitutional bills, attacked the democratic system and undermined the country’s national security and economic resilience.
They have overlooked the fact that the real master of the country is its electorate, not political parties or politicians. Taiwanese would not allow wicked servants to bully their masters and destroy the country.
The right of recall is granted by the Constitution. It is a legitimate mechanism to hold politicians accountable and not, as its detractors suggest, a means to create chaos or cause trouble.
This recall movement is not about punishing any legislator in particular, nor is it a confrontation between the green camp and the blue camp. Rather, it is about the larger principle of democracy over authoritarianism and freedom over slavery in the face of the CCP’s infiltration tactics and threats.
Taiwanese must demonstrate their determination to prevent evildoers from harming Taiwan’s national security. Recalling these legislators is the only way for Taiwan to protect its constitutional system and demonstrate its democratic resilience, allowing the entire world to witness its commitment to freedom and justice.
Taiwanese should be aware of the CCP’s ambitions and stand up against any actions that would infringe upon Taiwan’s sovereignty. The public should show the international community that there is no room for negotiation.
Totalitarian regimes thrive on people’s ignorance and servitude. Taiwanese are fully aware of their civil rights and that they are the masters of the country. This is not something that can be taken away by threat of conquering by force.
Taiwan is for Taiwanese to save. This nationwide recall movement is flourishing, becoming a milestone in Taiwan’s democratic development and the foundation for the future of the country.
Pan Wei-yiu is the secretary-general of the Northern Taiwan Society.
Translated by Fion Khan
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