Taiwan S 2Nd Democratic Presidential Election Essay — страница 2

formed on Sept. 28, 1986, now has approximately 200,000 members. The Party s organizational structure closely resembles that of the Kuomintang. The party was established primarily by family members and defense lawyers of imprisoned dissidents, the DPP became the first political party to challenge the Kuomintang s decades long grip on power. The DPP quickly support from ethnic Taiwanese frustrated by the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang, whose loyalists and leaders had fled from mainland China in 1949 following their army s defense by the Chinese Communists. In its charter the DPP promotes holding a referendum on independence from China and opposes the Kuomintang s one China s policy. DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian has pledged, however, that if elected he will not

declare independence for Taiwan unless China invades. The New Party was established in August 1993, shortly before the Kuomintang s 14th National Congress, a group of KMT Young Turks including six legislative Yuan members and one former lawmaker broke away from the party to establish the New Party. The New Party differs from the KMT and the DPP in organizational structure, stressing the leadership of those holding public office. At the head of the party is the National Campaign and Development Committee. The convener of the committee, a position currently filled by Lee-Chian-hua, serves as the leader of the party. In August 1999, the party took almost everyone by surprise by nominating the renowned writer Li Ao as its presidential candidate for the 2000 presidential election.

Candidates Campaign Issues for Three Presidential: Conventional wisdom holds that each of the three major presidential candidates enjoys certain notable advantages. Former Taiwan Governor James Soong is regarded as the most charismatic. Official Kuomingtang candidate Vice President Lien Chan is backed by his part s awesome resources. Former Taipei Mayor Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party has a reputation for action and dynamism. James Soon s Proposal: James Soon, independent was once a leading figure in the ruling Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalist Party. Soong split with the party in November 1999 when he launched his own campaign for president. He challenged the KMT s candidate, Vice President Lien Chan. Soong, once the director-general of Taiwan s Government

Information Office and later managing director for two of Taiwan s nationwide broadcast television network, has sought to distance himself from the policies of the KMT in recent months. More recently, from 1993 to 1998, he was governor of Taiwan Province. He has proposed a 30 year non-aggression pact with Beijing. That would be followed by a 20- year quasi-international arrangement between Taiwan and mainland China modeled after the European Union, after which referendum would be held on independence. Soon has also proposed calling on all-party conference to build a national consenous on steps to take in improving relations with China. Soong enjoyed a lead in the polls until late Feb., when the KMT filed a lawsuit alleging Soong of embezzling $12 million from the party leader.

Soong denied the accusation. James Soong s Position: (Fig.3) Soong has suggested that Taiwan and China engage in a quasi-international relationship similar to the European union, but China is not interested. Although he was born in China and has supported reunification in the long term, Soong also has recommended that Taiwan arm itself with submarines that could launch strikes at China s airports and harbors. Popular, charismatic and at one time an effective provincial governor, Soong has led the polls throughout much of the campaign. He has also been the focus of another issue: corruption. When the KMT failed to make him its presidential candidate, Soong bolted the party and began campaigning as an independent. Stung by his disloyalty, Lien and Lee have likened Soong to Adof

Hitler and Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos. They also accused him of embezzling $11.7 million in the party funds. Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party candidate Chen Shui-bian has accused the KMT of black gold (literally term: bribery and gangster) politics- using its businesses (from petrochemical to karaoke bars; assets of $3.8 billion) to influence local politics, business and even organized crime. But Soong has denied the charges several times. He says the money came from political contributions and that he was entrusted by President Lee to carry out party tasks. Among the tasks, Soong says, was supporting the family of the late Chiang Ching-kuo Chiang Lai-shek s son and successor- who rules Taiwan when it was under martial law. Soong has offered to repay the KMT