Taiwan's unprecedented presidential recall vote was a stand-off between those who oppose and support President Chen Shui-bian (
Unfortunately, a clique of irresponsible politicians and political commentators have added fuel to the fire by describing the case as an ethnic clash between Taiwanese and Mainlanders.
The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) believes that no specific political party or individuals could or should monopolize or damage the nation's democratic system. The fundamental principle of democracy is that the people are the masters of the nation, and that democracy cannot be used by political parties or leaders to manipulate the public.
In other words, government and leaders in a democracy derive their power from the people, and the transition of power is the result of democratic elections. The true meaning of democracy is that no one person can be "the son of Taiwan" and that when a leader does not do a good job, he or she should be replaced.
The TSU strongly opposed the recent pan-blue drive, which nominally aimed to recall the president. Actually, the drive was part of their political warfare intended to incite political unrest and mobilize ethnic support in an early warm-up ahead of next year's legislative elections and the 2008 presidential election. However, the party also cannot support a "fake" localization stance that only aims to create an idolatry of certain leaders, incites strong emotions, is reluctant to seek out the truth and engages in political manipulation with no respect for the rule of law.
If there is evidence to prove the current allegations that Chen and his wife are involved in wrongdoing or corrupt practices, then the TSU will stand firm and act in good conscience, by solemnly demanding that Chen step down as he has promised. The integrity and sincerity of the national leader is the embodiment of Taiwan's democracy and justice, and thus is not only a matter of the president's own behavior.
As an independent political party, the TSU will not sit idly by and watch the corrupt practices of top officials spin out of control. Therefore, we advocate that there should be no limit to the scope of investigations in order to maintain the political stability of the nation.
The economic problems and deterioration of social order over the past six years have caused Taiwan's democracy to take several steps backward.
Each vote is no longer equal and constitutional amendments are creating difficulties for localized governments. The same problems have also led to the scandals surrounding the consolidation of financial holding firms, the favoring of big business over small and medium enterprises and traditional industries, and trade policies that tip in China's favor.
The curtailment of compulsory military service, which is aimed at winning more votes, has been manipulated by a few egotistical people, which has destroyed military unity and morale and led to dwindling defense capabilities. Empty promises to disadvantaged groups, farmers, fishermen and blue collar workers have disappointed the TSU just as much as the general public.
The public must now ask whether or not Chen and his administration are truly standing with the people and whether they have done all they can to protect the nation's sovereignty and public interests.
Therefore, the TSU called for Chen and his administration to undertake soul-searching, actively combat corruption, maintain justice and reflect the opinion of a majority of Taiwanese.
The party favored neither the irrational recall motion against Chen nor the DPP's sensationalist strategy to consolidate its leadership. This is why the TSU decided to adhere to the cardinal issue of right and wrong by casting invalid ballots.
To solve the blue-green divide that has existed for six years and clarify allegations against Chen and his family, we solemnly and earnestly ask the following.
Chen should submit a new list of nominees to the Control Yuan and work with the leaders of all political parties to set up a system for appointing independent prosecutors, so that the corruption allegations that have pervaded society and the media in recent years and that involve Chen's good name, the government's image and the corruption of political parties finally can be independently investigated.
The political situation must be stabilized, and the nation, society and the general public must be allowed to go about their daily lives while our democracy is nurtured back to health and consolidated. This would be for the good of Taiwan and the Taiwanese people.
Translated by Daniel Cheng
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