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Taiwan election
democracy in action
THE recently concluded 12th
presidential election of the Republic of China is the fourth
directly elected by the people. It was a long, hotly contested
campaign but the election finally ended in a smooth and peaceful
manner with Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying Jeou garnering
58 percent of the votes, electing him President.
The election drew international
attention, 598 foreign correspondents covered the elections, as the
new leader will play an important role in maintaining peace and
stability in the region and boost Taiwan’s economy in the next
four years.
Taiwan’s successful
presidential election system can be a model for countries still
struggling in their democracies. The outstanding characteristics
manifested in the recent elections are:
The free, democratic and
transparent elections of Taiwan’s new national leaders continue to
solidify the democratic value and conscience of Taiwan identity.
The peaceful results of the
election manifest the maturity of the democratic system in Taiwan
despite the radical process.
The Tibet incident once again
proves that China “tramples on human rights and ignores
democracy.” This demonstrates its authoritarian nature compared
with our democratic presidential election through which the people
can compare the two political systems. The Taiwan people cherish
democracy and disdain authoritarian rule and will not accept the
“one China, two systems policy.”
The whole world can see that
Taiwan is a sovereign nation where the very essence of democracy is
dynamically functioning.
WELLINGTON WEI
Press Director
Taipei Economic &
Cultural Office,
Ayala Avenue,
Makati City
A word about Janina
and The Times
On “Janina’s Hecklers” by
Dan Mariano, I’d say I agree with the article on going easy on
Janina, indeed, she is only 17. I must say that in spite of her
nervousness and feelings of embarrassment as she spoke during the
interview, she still exuded the gracefulness of a youthful doe which
was so endearing. I must admit though that everytime I hear her
broken English on the radio (Magic 89.9 even had a dance remix on
it) I’d wince and crawl under my skin.
By the way, I recently subscribed
to Manila Times and I must say, I’ve noticed so many typographical
and grammatical errors. It’s as if there is no one proofreading
the articles.
Lawrence See
<lawrsee@yahoo.com>
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