March 23 was Election Day for the ROC President and for members of the National Assembly. A few days later, two Free China Review staff writers interviewed a random assortment of voters, asking people about the significance of the election and what most influenced the way they voted. Excerpts follow:
Hsieh Yu-chih, 61, factory foreman: I voted for Lee Teng-hui and Lien Chan. Why? I think President Lee has guts. In dealing with our enemy, he's done well. In the Qiando Lake incident [24 Taiwan tourists were robbed and killed in Zhejiang province], he called the Chinese Communists “bandits” when they tried to cover up the whole thing by claiming it was an accident. When the Communists started missile tests to influence the election, Lee remained very upbeat.“Don't panic!” he said.“They're just lobbing some stupid bombs into the water. We're prepared to fight if they take further action.” I felt very proud that we had him. Also, he's the first guy to step onto the international stage as the president of Taiwan. Americans like him, don't you think? You see they sent their warships to the Taiwan Strait. In fact, if it weren't for the Americans' help, we Taiwanese would have had been scared to death. No president was able to do that before. So I'm very happy with the results. Half of the voters voted for Lee. This sends a message to the Communists that we Taiwanese don't buy their threats.
Chen Jui-feng, 41, oil company employee: I could have voted for Lee, but I figured it made no difference, because he would definitely get elected. Like most people, I want to maintain the status quo. I have no idea why somebody like Chen Li-an would throw himself into an election battle. He isn't a politician, he's like a clean stream. The reason I voted for him is because I wanted to encourage him to behave differently from most other politicians.
This first direct presidential election is actually no different from any of the other elections we have had. This is a democratic society and people are not afraid to speak up. But I don't think we should become over-zealous. Some of my colleagues carried right on debating even after the election results came out. I don't understand why. The play's over, but the spectators don't want to go home.
One thing I've learned from this election is never to trust politicians. They treat us like mice in a lab. And the media are their tools. Just look at all the mud they slung during the campaign: the alleged hit man [a supposed threat on a candidate's life]; the claims that some candidates used to be communists; the threat of cross-straits war. And look at what they made people do—all the buying of US dollars, the processing of immigration documents! I'm glad I wasn't dancing to their tune.
Now that the election's over, I think we should get back to normal. If you lost money during the election, work harder to earn it back. If you lost sleep, take time off. If you were frightened, go to a Taoist priest to get your soul back.
Hsu Shih-chiang, 44, travel agency manager: I heard all kinds of things before the election. One was that if Lee won he'd recruit Peng [Ming-min] and Hsieh [Chang-ting] to the cabinet. A client of mine, who claims to have the ability to foretell the future, said that he saw a war and millions of casualties. But what the heck! I just listen to my own inner voice.
My main concern is whether the president can represent the Republic of China. I voted for Lin [Yang-kang] and Hau [Pei-tsun], because they represent the authentic KMT and defend the country's political tradition. Lin and Hau insist on keeping on track. Lin has steadfastly retained his political identity, and his style as an administrator has won him the reputation of being responsible and capable. Hau has a long-established image as being tough on law enforcement. Taiwan needs him to restore social order and public security.
Peng stands for independence—he would never get my vote. As for Chen Li-an, I don't trust his ability. If it weren't for his father [a former ROC vice president], he would never have held the positions of minister and Yuan president. He tried to establish an image as a religious person, but he was acting like a politician.
I think the KMT has gone astray. Lee and his supporters have not made it clear, but I daresay Lee is moving closer to an independence viewpoint. I can't bring myself to side with him. Don't you think it's ridiculous not to admit that your ancestors came from the mainland? When you're still worshiping your mainland ancestors, how can you not admit that you're Chinese? I won't fight a war for Taiwan independence. It's wrong. Now that Lee is elected, I figure he's not going to make any drastic changes, so I'm not worried that Taiwan will be at war with the mainland in a couple of years. Ah, what's the use of worrying? I've got no place to go. I only want peaceful reunification.
Perng Hui-zung, 37, college professor: In this election there was hardly any debate about policies. We didn't learn anything about what the candidates would do if they were elected. Chen Li-an and Wang Ching-feng did talk about welfare and environmental policies, but they didn't stir up much attention. People nodded off during their campaign speeches.
I chose Chen because he's the man with the least political baggage. The KMT has ruled for too long, and it couldn't cast off its image of being closely connected to the “black” [the underworld] and the “gold” [the rich]. Lee therefore had his hands tied by special interests. Lin-Hau and Peng-Hsieh also carry political baggage. Chen is freer to advocate policies without having to consider party interests. Moreover, Wang Ching-feng is known for her long-term devotion to social work and social issues. She's been active in many women's issues.
I feel both sad and happy about the election results. I'm happy because our leader has been chosen by the people—he's a president with substantial support. But I'm sad because, for the time being, the winners are still wallowing in their victory. They didn't even bother to be polite and comfort the losers, not to mention take account of the many problems that lie ahead. Since we now have a National Assembly where the KMT enjoys less than a two-thirds majority, this is going to cause problems with revising the constitution. I worry about what Lee is going to do next.
Lydia, 23, college student: I voted for Peng and Hsieh. Taiwan has to become independent if it's to be regarded as an equal player on the international stage. If we don't declare independence we'll always be regarded as a part of China, and China has been trying to isolate us internationally. Though China says it will use force if we declare independence, I think it's just bluffing.
Peng and Hsieh didn't make it this time, but I think this was a pretty successful election. Despite the threats from Mainland China, we held it as scheduled, and we conducted it in an orderly, rational manner. It was an outstanding performance. There are different opinions concerning where Taiwan should go, but this election sort of showed what the majority wants. It helped reveal reality.
Tsai Ling-tsung, 41, owner of a computer training center for children: I voted for Peng and Hsieh. I respect Professor Pengo. He behaves like a Christian: he says what he means and he means what he says—unlike another candidate who claims to be a Christian, yet visited temples to win support from temple-goers. I think Peng's a man of integrity, and he's not the strong-man type.I've always believed our country should have a cabinet system rather than a presidential system. Peng would have been the perfect choice for that, because he could have functioned as a symbol of the nation without interfering with the powers of the five branches of government. And he's a man of vision. Thirty years ago, he knew that Taiwan and the mainland would go their separate ways. Now we see it happening. Taiwan has become de facto independent.
Still, I'm not surprised that Lee and Lien won. A Taiwanese proverb says that if you need to take sides, side with the bigger slice of the watermelon. The Lee-Lien network was the most resourceful team, and now they've got the power. Taiwan people haven't reached a consensus yet.
They feel uncertain. Because they don't know what they want, all they can do is to follow the majority.
Anonymous, 45, laundromat helper: I like Uncle Hau best. I wonder how come his team only got 15 percent of the vote. It's far less than I estimated. I was impressed by what he accomplished as premier—that was Taiwan's golden age in terms of public security. And when the time came for him to step down, he took a bow and quit like a gentleman. Some people worry that with his military connections he might do something radical if he became vice president. Well, he had his chance before and he didn't do that.
Half of the voters didn't vote for Lee. For me, that serves as a reminder to President Lee that he ought to be more careful about what he says. I didn't vote for him, because I'm disgusted with his thoughtless and often emotional comments about being a Taiwanese, or about cross-straits relations. He often gets carried away. That kind of thing doesn't suit his role as president. I suggest that he stick to the speeches his staff prepare for him
Why did so many people vote for Lee? Many of my neighbors say they want a Taiwanese president. But if Peng Ming-min got elected, the communists might just take over our small island by force. Lee is quite vague in terms of unification or independence. Though he often claims to be pro-unification, he seems to sympathize with the independence movement. Therefore, many DPP supporters decided to abandon Peng and support Lee. I've just traveled to a temple with some other Buddhists, and many of them said that they were impressed that President Lee had enough clout to get the U.S. to send its warships over. I don't understand their logic. But the sad fact is that, no matter what ridiculous reasons they have, they all voted for Lee. I can only say I'm disappointed.
Chiu Hsien-wen, 37, a cram-school teacher: When I was still a businessman I traveled abroad a lot, and I know the importance of identity. I think I'd fight to the death to keep my identity as a citizen of the Republic of China. Wouldn't you? President Lee was the only candidate to make it clear that the Republic of China has been in existence for more than eighty years, and he intended to keep it that way. Many people have harshly criticized the president. But if they were in Lee's position, I wonder what they'd do.
Chang Chih-yu, 74, veteran: At first, I wasn't planning on voting. I'm one year older than President Lee. I've been blind in my right eye for more than ten years, and now my left eye is failing, too. But I decided to vote anyway. I arrived at the polling place half an hour before the scheduled opening time, and I was first in line. They didn't give me any cash award or medal, though! As a KMT member for sixty years, I wanted to give my support to the KMT candidate. Our country's been dogged by bad luck, but Lee's managed to keep everything working. The opposition parties don't understand the problems of being in power. They just keep picking on Lee and the KMT, which only makes things worse. I'm not sure they could do as good ajob.
I'm impressed by how Lee handles international affairs. He's heightened our visibility like no one else has. This is very important, because if we can't become part of international society, nothing counts—not even our huge foreign [exchange] reserves. Lee does have his weaknesses. Who doesn't! He hasn't been very nice to the mainlanders here. But I don't think it's going to do us any good to hand things over to a greenhorn at a time like this. And see, most people agree with me. Lee won a landslide victory. Wake up and smell the coffee!
Chang Li-fei, 35, secretary: I voted for Chen and Wang. I didn't care too much about political views, cross-straits problems, their chances of winning, or whatever. I voted for the ones who made the best impression on me.
Fan Chi-pai, 35, computer sales: I didn't vote. I was stuck on the freeway. I wanted to vote for Lin and Hau. Lee Teng-hui's been in the position long enough, and he said several times that he would retire. I think it's time someone else had a go.
I don't think the DPP has enough ability to handle national affairs, because so far they only have local administrative experience. I think they'll have to wait for several years. Chen and Wang are okay. I considered voting for them. But I thought Lin and Hau had the best chance among the candidates contesting Lee.
Huang Ming-sheng, 43, real estate broker: I voted for Lee Teng-hui. Based on his past performance, I believe he's eager to lead Taiwan into international society. Currently, Taiwan is not very stable, politically or economically. The mainland holds a few military exercises and everyone panics. We want to talk to the mainland, but what do we have to bargain with? If Taiwan has a recognized position internationally, we'll have more bargaining chips. Lee has not only tried to give Taiwan an international role, he's also tried to find a way of solving cross-straits problems.
Huang Shu-tzu, 45, housewife: In the beginning, I wanted to vote for Chen and Wang, because they're really nice people. But I didn't think they had any chance of winning, so I voted for Lin and Hau. My husband and I are both supporters of the New Party, which backed Lin and Hau. I guess that's the main reason I voted for them.
“Vote for Number 5”–Taiwan elections still use paper ballots. A lottery determines the sequence of candidates on the ballot, so each is listed by name, photo, and a number.
H. J. Lai, 37, bank manager: At first, I wanted to vote for Chen Li-an because I thought he was nice. But on closer inspection, I started to wonder if he had what it takes to run the country, so I voted for Peng and Hsieh instead. In fact, I've always appreciated the DPP's efforts to achieve Taiwan independence. I think that's the only way for Taiwan to survive.
As things stand, there's no room for Taiwan in international society. I'm not talking about big things like joining international organizations, I'm talking about my own experience. I travel a lot, so I know that ROC passport holders have visa problems in lots of countries. In some cases, the visa a ROC passport holder gets is just a piece of paper stapled in your passport. They tear it out when you leave, like you've never been there. What have we done wrong to be treated like this?
Wang Yin-hua, 33, insurance agent: I voted for Lin and Hau. I didn't choose Lee Teng-hui. He's done a great job of leading our country into chaos, and I don't think he deserves another four years to make things worse. Peng and Hsieh were also off my list, because I don't believe Taiwan independence can work. Chen and Wang were okay, but they don't have the support of a political party, so it wasn't likely they'd win. Given these circumstances, Lin and Hau became the only choice.
But that wasn't the only reason I voted for Lin Yang-kang. He impressed me by promising to return executive power to the Executive Yuan [under the premier] if he was elected. Since the Executive Yuan has to answer to the Legislative Yuan, legislators can help us monitor how the government uses our money, makes policy, and so on. Under our constitution, the president doesn't have to answer to anyone. If there's no one supervising the president, it will be all too easy for Taiwan to revert to being a dictatorship. I voted for Lin Yang-kang because he realized this, and was willing to return executive power to where it belongs.
Huang Chun-te, 41, public servant: I cast my vote for Lin and Hau. I'd made up my mind to vote for them from the beginning, but their performance tailed off toward the end of the campaign. I knew they wouldn't win, but I didn't want Lee and Lien to get a high percentage of the vote. Look at the way Lee talks and behaves! He's already bossy enough.
Liu Kuan-hsiung, 50, civil engineer: I'm a New Party supporter. But I didn't vote for Lin and Hau just because the party wanted me to. I'm a so-called mainlander and I grew up in a mainlander community, so I have a strong sense of Chinese identity. I don't agree with many of Lee Teng-hui' s ideas. When he says the ROC on Taiwan, what does on Taiwan mean? He says that the KMT is now a Taiwan KMT. What the hell does that mean? On the other hand, because of my Chinese identity, I can't vote for DPP candidates. They believe that mainlanders don't contribute to Taiwan. They want to draw a line between Taiwanese and mainlanders.
What I admire about Lin Yang-kang is that even though he's Taiwanese, he's been fair to mainlanders and has never denied our contributions to Taiwan. He doesn't want to rush into unification [with the mainland] , and he doesn't want independence. He wants to be Chinese, too, and not limit himself to being Taiwanese.
Lee Wang-min, 58, housewife: I voted for Lee and Lien. At my age, Taiwan's stability is my major concern. If someone else had won, there would have been big changes in society. Who knows what would happen? Most people predicted that Lee and Lien were bound to win, and I agreed. So why waste my vote on someone who wouldn't win?
Wu Chiu-hui, 35, public servant: I voted for Lin Yang-kang, partly because I felt sorry for him when he was unfairly kicked out of the KMT, and partly because I was positive about Hau Pei-tsun’s performance as premier. Also, I didn't want to see Lee Teng-hui get too high a percent age of the vote, because he's too bossy.
There are so many people who depend for their livelihoods on the KMT. Most high-ranking government officials are KMT, and the KMT's party-run businesses are so big. These people have to vote for Lee because they would lose their jobs if he lost.
It would have worried me if someone else, say Peng and Hsieh, had won. They would announce Taiwan independence. As everyone knows, Mainland China has made it clear that if Taiwan claims independence, the mainland will be forced to start a war. Most people see this as a threat, but it sounds more like a promise to me.