East Asia “In-depth coverage notes” (No. 171)
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On January 15, Vice President Lai Seitoku (age 63) was elected as the 17th president (leader) of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with 99.65% of the vote. At the climax of his inauguration speech, President Raishin proclaimed:
“The by-election of the party chairman has ended smoothly. From now on, the Democratic Progressive Party will begin to regain the trust of the people!
My goal is clear. It means that I will lead the two slogans, “Honest, Politics, Loving Homeland” and “Green Rule, Quality Assurance,” that the entire party will unite and refine together. The purpose of the DPP’s existence is to work hard for Taiwan.
The Democratic Party has been promoting democratic reforms. The mission of the next stage is to firmly protect Taiwan and promote Taiwan’s democracy, peace and prosperity amidst the ever-changing international situation.”
The DPP thus bid farewell to the long Tsai Ing-wen era. We have entered the era of Lai Ching De, who is the number two vice president under President Tsai Ing-wen.
Reasons why the voter turnout has fallen to the 17% level
Exactly one year from now, the presidential election in Taiwan will be held, and it is no exaggeration to say that the official candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party has already been narrowed down to Chairman Lai Xin. According to a poll released by the Taiwan Public Opinion Research Foundation on the 15th, when asked, “Who is the most suitable candidate for the next Democratic Progressive Party presidential election?” ) Former Vice President 16.7%, Executive Yuan Director Su Tei-chang (equivalent to Prime Minister) 5.9%. President Raishin has overwhelmed the other rival candidates, and he himself has plenty of motivation.
However, when I asked an official of the DPP in Taipei, it was very inarticulate. With a sigh, he replied:
