First-time voters
For college students in their 20s, next month’s election would be their first time voting for a president and legislators. It is with an expectant heart that they cast their ballots for lawmakers and a national leader who best represent their values and political vision.
Elections are not to be taken lightly, as they affect the economy, our lifestyles and the nation’s future. We are not only choosing our leaders, but also fighting for our values.
To people’s grave disappointment, the more we know about some candidates and their controversial pasts, the more it seems doubtful that they are suitable to represent us. Are those people looking for a better future for Taiwan, or are they merely out for themselves?
Politicians should possess expertise — whether that is political acumen, legal knowledge or in other areas — that can help with policymaking, legislative reform and understanding people’s needs.
The ideal candidate should possess a flexible and liberal mindset, be open-minded to social issues and push for reforms with a positive attitude. Only then can they keep up with the times and outline an integral, well-rounded national blueprint.
Dialogue and communication are also important. As Taiwan is a multicultural society, candidates should possess the attitude to accept and embrace different voices and listen to the needs of different groups with a goal to create a diverse society.
The ideal candidate should ensure that the legal system works in a fair, impartial and efficient manner, thereby bringing a deeper and wider positive impact to society.
However, it is odd that many legislative candidates not only lack these traits, but have also engaged in illegal activities or misconduct in the past.
A handful of the legislative candidates for next month’s vote have been embroiled in criminal or civil cases, or even ludicrous misconduct, such as former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Tainan City Council speaker Lee Chuan-chiao (李全教), who was relieved of his duties after he was convicted of vote-buying in two separate cases.
Independent Legislator Fu Kun-chi (傅?萁) of Hualien County was accused of selling national land, engaging in stock manipulation and sexually harassing Mirror Fiction general manager Tung Cheng-yu (董成瑜).
Miaoli Mayor Chiu Chen-chun (邱鎮軍) was allegedly involved in 30 cases involving drugs and theft a decade ago.
Such candidates are not ideal — not even close. Their shady pasts and questionable character prompts concern over why a party would be willing to nominate them.
As a first-time voter, I believe that what the younger generation wants is simple: a professional political figure who is willing to listen and embrace new ideas, not some local faction member who has a crime-ridden past or involvement in dubious activities.
Voters should carefully scrutinize every candidate and prevent those who are unfit for the job from entering the legislature or the presidential office.
Tseng Kuan-ya
Taipei
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