Pan Men-an: 30 Years of Presidential Direct Elections, Taiwan Becomes New Beacon of Democracy in Asia

TAIPEI (Central News Agency) - The Presidential Office today held a press conference for the '30th Anniversary of Presidential Direct Elections Series of Activities.' Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an stated that direct presidential elections hold three major significances: highlighting popular sovereignty, establishing a democratic system, and Taiwan becoming a new beacon of democracy in Asia. The Presidential Office will launch a series of activities including special exhibitions, concerts, commemorative stamps, and markets starting May 9, inviting the public to jointly review Taiwan's democratic development process.

Pan Men-an stated that 1996 marked Taiwan's first direct presidential election, and it is now its 30th anniversary. Many younger generations might take democratic voting for granted, but Taiwan's democratization has actually undergone decades of arduous transformation, from authoritarian rule and martial law to the lifting of martial law. It was through many democratic movements and the sacrifices and struggles of the people that freedom of speech, freedom to form political parties, and the right to directly elect the president were gradually achieved.

He also said that the first direct presidential election in 1996 was not only a major turning point for Taiwan from indirect elections to a democratic nation, but also proved to the world that Taiwan could achieve the formation of political power in a peaceful and democratic way, establishing the legitimacy, legality, and democratic nature of an elected government.

Pan Men-an stated that direct presidential elections have three major significances: first, to highlight 'popular sovereignty,' where the people decide the national leader. Second, to establish democratic rules of the game for a democratic system and peaceful transfer of power. Third, through repeated democratic elections over the past 30 years, Taiwan has become a new beacon of democracy in Asia, demonstrating the best proof of popular sovereignty.

He also mentioned that 30 years ago, on the eve of the direct presidential election, the situation in the Taiwan Strait was once tense, with the Chinese Communist Party conducting missile tests to intimidate the Taiwanese people. However, the Taiwanese people did not retreat because of this, but firmly completed the historic first direct election, demonstrating their will for democracy and freedom.

Pan Men-an stated that in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the direct presidential election, the Presidential Office will hold a series of video, image, and special exhibition activities, and Chunghwa Post will also launch commemorative stamps. The public is invited to enter the Presidential Office on May 9, the Presidential Office Open Day, to jointly witness Taiwan's democratic development process. (Edited by Wan Shu-chang) 1150507