It has been 20 years since March of 1996, when the people of Taiwan directly elected their own president for the first time. “Children of democracy” born at that time are now 20, the voting age in Taiwan, and, as first-time voters, have become part of the electorate. Though the campaigning itself was rather low-key, the results are hot news: Voters used their ballots to bring about the third transfer of executive power (the presidency) from the party in power to the party in opposition, as well as the first majority ever in the Legislative Yuan for any party other than the Kuomintang. In addition, voters elected the first woman president in the country’s history.
Elections are a contest for power, they are a kind of theater, and they are a part of the popular culture.
You have the things you support, I have the things I believe in. As candidates relentlessly canvassed for votes—walking the streets to meet and greet, waving flags, hollering through megaphones—some voters were inspired to actively help their favored politicians, while others looked on with a more cynical eye. In the end, their individual votes added up collectively to a decision on the future of our country and society.
The noise has now died down, and regardless of whether you feel satisfied or disappointed, everyone shares responsibility for the outcome of a free and fair election. This is the real meaning of democracy.
The power of hope: we keep on fighting till the very end. (photo by Huang Chung-hsin)
The power of hope: we keep on fighting till the very end. (photo by Chuang Kung-ju)
When election time rolls around, candidates and the media all have their roles to play. (photo by Jimmy Lin)
When election time rolls around, candidates and the media all have their roles to play. (photo by Chen Mei-ling)
When election time rolls around, candidates and the media all have their roles to play. (photo by Huang Chung-hsin)
Winning the election is the last mile in the campaign marathon, but only the first step in carrying the burden of governing the country. (photos by Chuang Kung-ju)
Winning the election is the last mile in the campaign marathon, but only the first step in carrying the burden of governing the country. (photos by Chuang Kung-ju)