Prominent scholars yesterday called on political leaders to have a better understanding of the Constitution, citing a possible political mess after the year-end elections.
"Our future is actually full of fear and uncertainty," said Lee Hong-hsi (
A vague and complicated Constitution will only add to the political quagmire, said the law professor.
PHOTO: LU CHUN-WEI, TAIPEI TIMES
"However, our Constitution is not so clear and is full of potholes that need to be filled so that our government can continue functioning," Lee said.
Lee spoke on the occasion of a seminar held by the Taiwan New Century Foundation (
"Our Constitution is too complicated," added Lee. "It actually consists of a cabinet system and a political system under which the president is the chief executive.
"It also contains themes of both communism and capitalism."
Lee also said that Taiwan's Constitution is too vague in its definition of certain governmental duties.
Meanwhile, scholars also expressed their hope that the new legislature will be able to avoid some of the controversy that has plagued it in the past.
"It could be very ironic for a legislator with a mafia background to join any committee related to crime," said Lee. "Or I should say, people with a mafia background shouldn't be legislators at all."
The KMT has historically maintained a majority in Taiwan's legislature.
"If we do not do something, `co-habitation and coalition' will appear on Taiwan's political horizon after the election and it will definitely become an obstacle for [the development of] Taiwan's democracy," said Chen Lung-chu (
"It is a democratic process of a country and we are very glad to see this phenomenon happen in Taiwan," said Chen. "It's a learning process. However, we hope to not see the confusion caused by ambitious politicians [taking advantage of] of our weak constitutional system."
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