The term dangwai (黨外, “outside the party”) refers to the collective political force formed “outside the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)” before 1986. During the Martial Law era, the ruling KMT prohibited the formation of political parties. Dangwai has a specific meaning in Taiwan’s political history.
To revive the dangwai spirit, retired National Taiwan University professor of history Chou Wan-yao (周婉窈) has organized activities to revitalize the movement — to remind the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of its founding principle and the public of the country’s democratic history.
However, the KMT and its factions are also rallying supporters under the name of “Dangwai: the grand opposition alliance.” The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which is enjoys the fruits of the country’s democratic achievements, is also taking part, stirring political discord. These people already belong to groups or political parties. How can they claim to “outside the party”? Some of them are rent-seekers, chasing power by associating themselves with others. How dare they angle for a reputation boost by using the name dangwai?
As a historian, Chou is probably overwhelmed at how Taiwanese political history has unfolded in this way. How about the public? What do they think? They have seen the nation embrace democracy after successfully resisting authoritarian rule and yet it cannot become a normal nation because of constant threats from China.
From being members of the dangwai to the establishment of the DPP, the democratic movement has been institutionalized, becoming part of the system.
However, many who care about political reform remain “outside the party.” They care about politics and fulfill their civic duties, but many have never sought political office. They are the true dangwai. It is shameful for opposition politicians to co-opt the name and call themselves dangwai.
In the post-Chinese Civil War era, under the oppression of the KMT’s party-state rule, dangwai was a special political force to resist the government. Numerous magazines became a cultural force that inspired and enlightened people about the need for political reform.
The 1979 Kaohsiung Incident, also known as the Formosa Incident, was an important part of Taiwanese history. Democracy leaders associated with Formosa Magazine organized a Human Rights Day rally in Kaohsiung. The KMT government cracked down, and opposition leaders were charged according to military and criminal law with “sedition” and “attempting to overthrow the government.”
The KMT has regained power once after it lost the presidency at the turn of the century, but it retained control over many local governments. How is it that the party that used to force the public to oppose the Chinese communists now colludes with China to upend Taiwan’s constitutional democracy?
The dangwai movement became a powerful and inspiring political force, but some politicians who once held public office under the DPP banner are now KMT members who have no regard for political integrity. They have not only turned their backs on the DPP, but also the country.
Calling themselves dangwai is not only disgraceful; it also displays the ugliness of politics.
Lee Min-yung is a poet.
Translated by Fion Khan
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