President Chen Shui-bian on the morning of March 21 met with an American Congressional delegation, led by Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chair Dana Rohrabacher, at the Presidential Office. The president, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, welcomed the visitors to Taiwan to observe the upcoming election and witness Taiwan's democratic development. He also expressed his appreciation to the members of Congress for their long-term support for and encouragement to Taiwan.
The president said that Taiwan's fourth direct presidential election will be held on Saturday. At the same time, the public will vote on two referendums. He said recently an election was held on the other side of the Taiwan Strait in China to select a leader there. The media, however, did not devote much coverage to the event. The election on Taiwan, however, is being hotly contested and the electoral procedures are transparent. This is a real democratic election, he said, contrasting it to the uncontested election held in China. Hu Jintao was re-elected China's president with 99.7% support. President Chen said that only under the domination of the Chinese Communist Party could there be such a result.
President Chen noted that Taiwan is quite proud of its high efficiency in counting ballots. He said he is confident that the result of the March 22 election will be known without delay. Regardless of the outcome of the election, however, the president said that everyone must accept the result. The president said he does not hope to see a repeat of the protests seen four years ago that emerged after the close tally between the two candidates.
President Chen also said that starting from Saturday evening and until May 20, he will have one main responsibility to the people of Taiwan, which is to successfully hand over power to his successor. He said his own presidency has already set history in many ways. Eight years ago, his taking office marked the first transfer of power among political parties on Taiwan. Four years ago, he was elected to another term. He is now nearing the completion of his second term in office and he said that he is confident that power will be transferred smoothly and according to the law. The president said that many have expressed their curiosity as to what role he will play after he leaves office. The president said that he will carefully consider this issue with humility and discretion.
As for the referendums that will be held Saturday, the president said that the right to referendum is a universal value and it is a symbol of power being in the hands of the people. He said that the people of Taiwan, regardless of their political affiliation, all hope that the nation can become a member of the United Nations (UN) and have representation in the UN. Even though the international community has a different view of this issue and Taiwan's efforts have been stymied by pressure exerted by China, the president said Taiwan still believes that democracy is the most effective weapon. He stressed that Taiwan will continue to work toward the goal of gaining entry to the UN no matter the outcome of the referendums.
Congressman Rohrabacher thanked the president for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with the delegation. He also extended an invitation to President Chen to visit the United States after he leaves office. Congressman Rohrabacher expressed his admiration and respect for President Chen for remaining resolute in his stance that the future of Taiwan should be decided by the people of Taiwan. President Chen has maintained this viewpoint despite pressure exerted on him at home and abroad, the congressman said. The congressman added that they will accept the result of referendums no matter the outcome since this is the decision made by the people of Taiwan. He said he is confident that the decision made by the Taiwan people will be the right one.
In addition to Congressman Rohrabacher, the Congressional delegation included Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Y. F. Chu and Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan Stephen M. Young. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chen Chi-mai.