President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday said that public indifference toward tomorrow's elections might hurt the nation's democracy.
In the latest electronic newsletter issued by the Presidential Office, Chen urged the public not to give up their opportunity to determine the nation's future.
"Being indifferent seriously hurts democracy. People must learn how to be the masters of this country. That's why we have to treasure every election, through which the people's real voice can be heard," he said in the newsletter.
Also yesterday, Chen campaigned for Luo Wen-chia (羅文嘉), the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate for Taipei County commissioner.
"Based on my observations of Luo, who was once one of my best assistants at the Legislative Yuan and the Taipei City Government, he will be a very good county commissioner," Chen said.
Luo was yesterday attacked by his opponent, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) candidate Chou Hsi-wei (
Chen said Luo would never be involved in bribery.
"I think that the rumors are a total joke," Chen said.
Last night, Chen commended previous DPP administrations in Taipei County during an interview with ETTV. He said the KMT was planning to marginalize the county and that this was unfair to its residents.
Chen said the results of the elections will affect economic and cross-strait policy.
He said that after the election the government would convene a second economic development advisory conference, at which the nation's prosperity could be secured.
Chen said that the opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan had become a barrier that was preventing Taiwan from improving itself.
"This is the result of the pan-blue camp being the majority. What could possibly result if opposition parties win the local elections on Saturday?" he said.
To ensure the nation's security, Chen said that political differences had to be resolved.
"In order to seek a collaborative relationship between the political parties, I would like to open a dialogue with KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
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