The Nov. 15 elections in the Taiwan area of the Republic of China proceeded smoothly after two weeks of animated political debate and rivalry. At stake were slots in the Taiwan Provincial Assembly, the Taipei City Council and posts as mayors of towns and chief executives of counties. It was unanimously agreed that the number, quality and campaign methods of candidates represented an improvement over previous elections.

The elections were closely watched in all quarters as an expression of the people's opinions and ideas on democracy. When scheduled national elections were postponed three years ago in the wake of U.S. severance of relations with the Republic of China, many people doubted the sincerity over democracy among the nation's leaders. When the elections were held last year, confidence was restored in the political process.

During the local elections, more than 400 candidates competed for 180 positions, more than ever before. Candidates passed out leaflets and pasted up political posters, made political speeches at rallies, or rode around in vehicles broadcasting their views over loudspeakers. Campaign speeches were more reserved, and there were fewer verbal attacks and mud-slinging than during previous elections.

Peace and order prevailed in the elections, clearly demonstrating the maturity of both voters and candidates. The polls were open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a mild but cool day, ensuring a good percentage turnout. Most votes had been counted early Sunday morning, with only the results from some remote areas still pending. On Saturday and Sunday Taiwan's three TV and radio stations gave non-stop reports on the latest poll results.

According to statistics which appeared in a local paper, major political issues raised by candidates were the upgrading of the livelihood of farmers; promotion of administrative reform; raising of salaries of government officials, public functionaries and teachers; increasing social welfare; building more residential districts; increasing benefits to workers; improving traffic conditions; providing better flood control measures; and working generally for the good of the people.

Candidates mostly concentrated on constructive political opinions and social development, and seemed to be sincere in responding to the needs and demands of the people.

The candidates appeared to be well organized this year and activities were planned in advance. Many of them demonstrated fine speaking ability. College professors gave support to several candidates, there by further enhancing their prestige. Many young people helped out by campaigning and hanging up political posters. This served to increase active interest in the political process among the younger generation, the future leaders of the country.

Voters who turned out to listen to campaign speeches seemed genuinely interested in the issues. Displays of bad manners were rare.

Under the direction of the Central Election Committee, discussions were held to ensure fairness, impartiality, and openness in the elections, and to ensure rules and procedures were adhered to. Many improvements were aimed at helping candidates to participate in rallies. Last year, it was often difficult for voters to locate rally sites, areas which were usually in vacant lots or out-of-the-way places. This year, school halls were widely used. Statistics show that more than 2,000 rally sites were made available, and more polling stations were also provided.

Through the use of a computer, the time taken to count the votes was significantly reduced, and tallies could be made as the counting was in progress. The system also eliminated the possibility of human error, and claims that the ballots had been tampered with.

Voter turn-out for the elections was 71.82 percent. A total of 7,263,820 voters cast ballots in the elections for provincial assembly members and city councillors, while voters totaled 5,860,222 in the mayoral and magisterial elections.

Of the newly-elected candidates, more than 100 have college degrees or higher, 74 are high school graduates, and only one is a junior high school graduate. The average age is 46, two years younger than in the 1977 elections.

The ruling Kuomintang party won control of the Taiwan Provincial Assembly, city councils, and most of the city and county governments. Among the newly-elected members of the provincial assembly and city councils, 129 are KMT members and 41 are independents. The election was particularly significant for the ruling KMT as it continues to maintain its leading position with the support of the electorate.

[Picture Caption]

Thousands of voters turned out for political rallies.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

1.2. Candidates went to open-air markets to campaign. 3. This year's voter turn out was 71.82%. 4. Ballot counting. 5. Computers make this year's ballot counting quick and accurate.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

During this year's competition, political candidates pasted up posters, passed out leaflets, and rode around in cars, broadcasting their views to the public.

Candidates went to open-air markets to campaign.

Candidates went to open-air markets to campaign.

This year's voter turn out was 71.82%.

Ballot counting.

Computers make this year's ballot counting quick and accurate.