Remarks at a Reception for Foreign Observers of the 2008 Presidential Election
Chen Shui-bian
President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 20, 2008
Distinguished election observers: Greetings to you all!
On behalf of the government and 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to start by expressing to you our most sincere appreciation for coming to Taiwan to observe the 2008 presidential election and national referendum.
This year, young Taiwanese born before March 1988 will, for the first time, have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and decide who Taiwan's next president will be. As their parents know full well, this right was not easily won.
Before changes began to be implemented in 1987, the government of Taiwan did not allow the establishment of new political parties; there were no direct presidential elections; people could not express political opinions different from those espoused by the authorities; books, movies, and other publications were all subject to government censorship before being sold; police and the military could enter and search households at any time; and political dissidents ran the very real risk of arrest and prolonged imprisonment.
But Taiwan's democratic transformation has changed all of this. Political freedom and the freedom of speech are no longer merely a dream. They have become part of our daily lives. In 20 short years, Taiwan's people have transformed this country into a democracy, an exceptional achievement in world history.
One of the unique problems Taiwan has continually faced during its democratic transformation is China's military threat. There has not been one day in the past eight years in which we have not had to deal with China's military intimidation, diplomatic suppression, and united front economic warfare. We have worked very hard to strengthen our democracy despite these challenges. Taiwan has borne enormous pressure while safeguarding democracy, but our perseverance has proven our unwavering faith in democracy.
In recent days, China launched a bloody crackdown against the people of Tibet, which resulted in many dead and injured. These developments have greatly disturbed and saddened Taiwan's people, who, like the people of Tibet, live under the shadow of China's military threat. Many people in Taiwan have prayed for and offered support to the Tibetan people. We have once again been reminded of how precious democracy and freedom are.
In Taiwan, people can freely express their opinions. They decide the nation's future by casting ballots in elections and referendums. In stark contrast to this, people in Tibet enjoy neither freedom of expression nor the political rights they ought to have. Tibetans cannot decide their future through elections. The present hardships Tibetans are undergoing underscore the differences between Taiwan and China.
There are features of this year's presidential election that lend it particular significance: it is the fourth popular presidential election to be held in Taiwan, showing that we hold regular direct elections; agencies in charge of electoral affairs have all acted in a neutral manner; and election-related activities, including televised debates and campaign activities, have all been conducted fairly, justly, openly, and in accordance with the law.
Taiwan's third national referendum will be held in conjunction with the presidential election on March 22. Previous administrations in Taiwan regarded referendums as a monstrosity to be equated with disaster. Even now, some people criticize holding referendums in tandem with elections, belittling the practice as merely an electoral ploy. However, although some people reject referendum, we remain committed to this vital democratic practice, hoping that it will become a part of the lives of Taiwan's people.
Regardless of whether Taiwan's people support the proposal to enter the United Nations (UN) using the name "Taiwan" or the proposal to return to the UN, this referendum will allow our people to have their voices heard the world over. The Taiwan people can say to the world loudly and clearly that they want Taiwan to become a member of the UN. It will also be a proclamation to the world that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are two sovereign countries, neither subject to each other's jurisdiction. Through casting their ballots, Taiwan's people can send a clear, strong message to China, which passed an "anti-separation law" (the so-called anti-secession law) targeted at Taiwan and which commits violence against its own people.
We have no wish to have a repeat of the extended demonstrations seen after the 2004 presidential election. Whatever the results of the March 22 election, the transfer of power will be conducted in accordance with the existing constitutional order. I sincerely hope that all of you will not only observe the presidential election and referendum process during your stay in Taiwan; I hope that you will witness the manifestation of democratic values and principles. No matter how adverse external circumstances are, the faith Taiwanese have in democracy, and our determination to realize it, will never be shaken.
Thank you all for having come so far to observe Taiwan's vibrant democracy and meet our kindhearted people. I hope what you experience here regarding Taiwan's democracy will leave a deep impression upon you. In closing, let me wish you a pleasant stay here in Taiwan, the best of health, and success in all of your endeavors. Thank you.