While the KMT has been trailing behind its rivals in garnering the support of younger voters, it is now trying to turn the tables with a signature drive that began yesterday.
In light drizzle, hundreds of college students stood in front of KMT headquarters, opposite the Presidential Office, to witness the drive's launch and solicit signatures from Taiwan's youth to show their support for Lien Chan (
Lai Kuo-chou (賴國洲), 47, head of the KMT's department of youth affairs which organized the program -- speaking slang and dancing on a temporary stage -- encouraged young people to endorse Lien.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG
Organizers expect 300,000 people to sign in the six weeks of signature solicitation, which will run until Dec. 25.
"That number could go up to a million," Lai said.
The activity is more than an invitation for young voters to put their names on the "Lien Chan identification card (3s戰認|P卡)," he said. "It is also an activity to encourage young people to write down their opinions and suggestions."
"It will be an opportunity to understand young people and anyone who offers suggestions will be answered," he said.
"Those who present particularly interesting opinions will be invited to attend a panel discussion to exchange ideas with Lien Chan himself," Lai said.
Young voters do not represent a KMT support base in elections. Many opinion polls have shown that among the 20-to-29 age group, Lien has a support level of around 15 percent, while independent candidate James Soong (
"Young people are the more idealistic and critical element of any society. The KMT as a long-time ruling party, suffers particular criticism. This fact must be recognized," Lai said. "But if there is better communication between the KMT and [Taiwan's youth], they will understand that we are carrying out reforms. I believe they will support and join us," Lai said.
KMT opponents, however, were less optimistic.
"[The KMT's signature drive] is not going to work," said Lee Hong-yuan (
"Young people tend to be idealistic, reform-driven and dynamic. Lien's image is very distant from these characteristics," said Luo Ya-mei (?雅美), deputy director of the DPP's youth development department.
"Instead of just handing out cards, there should be other ways to persuade young people to support Lien," said Han Kun-chu (
"What is more important is what is done after getting signatures," said Chiu Yu-di (裘?芫
In their efforts to gain young people's support, the two other campaign bodies have sponsored training seminars for young volunteers on university campuses.
These students are meant to be the "seeds" of support bases on campuses, campaign officials said.
But most support for Soong stems from his personal charisma rather than campaign efforts, Lee said.
The DPP's Luo said her party will offer policies addressing young people's concerns, such as education, employment and housing loans.
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