Taiwan’s 2008 Elections

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Bush sees Ma victory as 'fresh opportunity' for Taiwan Strait
(AFP, Mar. 23, 2008) US President George W. Bush welcomed the victory of Taiwan's presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou as a "fresh opportunity" for Taipei and China to peacefully resolve their differences.

Opposition's Ma Sweeps to Taiwan Presidential Victory
(AFP, Mar. 22, 2008) Taiwan's opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou surged to victory over his ruling party rival in a presidential vote dominated by concern over the economy and hopes for better relations with China. Ma had a massive 17-point lead over Frank Hsieh.

Taiwan's UN Referendums Fail
(AP, Mar. 22, 2008) The official Central Election Commission says Taiwan's two referendums on joining the United Nations have failed.

China Relations and Tibet Mark Final Hours of Taiwan Campaign (Reuters, Mar. 21, 2008) Taiwan's stormy relations with China and recent violence in Tibet are dominating the final hours before the island's presidential election on Saturday, as each side seeks to show it is best qualified to resist Beijing.

Parties Ask Voters to be Alert for Dirty Tricks'
(Taipei Times, Mar. 20, 2008) Both the KMT and the DPP called on voters to be on the lookout for "dirty tricks" played by their rival camps in the run-up to Saturday's presidential election. The KMT listed possible election tactics from the DPP and urged voters not to forget the "319 shooting incident" of 2004.

U.S. Carriers Sent toward Taiwan before Election
(Reuters, Mar. 19, 2008) - Two U.S. aircraft carriers, including the USS Kitty Hawk, have been sent to the Taiwan region for training exercises during this weekend's Taiwanese election, a U.S. defense official said.

Taiwan Presidential Favorite Lashes 'Arrogant' Wen
(AFP, Mar. 19, 2008) Taiwan's presidential frontrunner accused Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of arrogance Tuesday for saying the island's future should be decided by all the Chinese people. In unusually strong comments four days ahead of the election, Ma Ying-jeou said Taiwan's future would be decided by its people alone, without Beijing's interference.

Ma May Boycott Olympics if Clash in Tibet Worsens
(Taiwan News, Mar. 19, 2008) Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said that if elected president, he will not rule out the possibility of boycotting the Beijing Olympics if China’s crackdown on Tibet continues to worsen.

KMT's Ma Accepts Hsieh's Apology for Chuang's Slander
(China Post, Mar. 18, 2008) Kuomintang presidential hopeful Ma Ying-jeou accepted Frank Hsieh's apology for the bad-mouthing by Ministry of Education chief of staff Chuang Kuo-yung of his deceased father.

One China Eludes Ma's Agenda as Taiwan Sees Kuomintang Victory
(Bloomberg, Mar. 17, 2008) Bloomberg) Ma Ying-jeou's likely election as Taiwan's president on March 22 is raising expectations of a rapid end to military tensions and economic restrictions with mainland China. They may be misplaced.

Tibet Unrest Prompts Taiwanese Parties to Harden Stance toward China (Vancouver Sun, Mar. 16, 2008) In a significant change of tone, both candidates for Saturday's presidential election here have hardened their stance on relations with Beijing as more details emerge of the extent of the crackdown against Tibetan demonstrators by Chinese forces.

Mass Rallies Held in Final Stretch
(China Post, Mar. 16, 2008) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) are gearing up for the final stretch of their presidential election battle, each aiming to galvanize a million supporters onto the streets in mass rallies around the island today to canvass votes for March 22 polls.

Defend Taiwan's Sovereignty, Says Ma
(Taipei Times, Mar. 15, 2008) KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou voiced his opposition to China's "Anti-Secession" Law and declared his determination to defend Taiwan's sovereignty if elected.

Taiwan's Ma Rules Out Hu Meeting, Vows Expanded Ties If Elected
(Bloomberg, Mar. 14, 2008) Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan's leading presidential candidate, ruled out directly negotiating with China and meeting with its leader in the next four years while promising to quickly expand travel and investment ties to the mainland if he's elected.

Taiwan Minister Quits, Ma Apologizes After City Brawl
(Bloomberg, Mar. 13, 2008)Taiwan Finance Minister Ho Chih- chin resigned and the leading candidate for the March 22 presidential election apologized following the worst public disturbances since the 10-month campaign began.

First Melee Erupts as Presidential Race Heats Up
(China Post, Mar. 13, 2008) A melee erupted at the campaign headquarters of presidential candidate Frank Hsieh of the ruling party yesterday when three opposition lawmakers entered the building in downtown Taipei in a move to gather evidence for alleged corruption involving Hsieh.

US Keeping Close Eye on Taiwan Strait
(Taipei Times, Mar. 13, 2008) The commander of the US forces in the Pacific said on Tuesday he has seen no indication of unusual Chinese military movements in the Taiwan Strait ahead of Taiwan's presidential election, but his forces will monitor the situation "very carefully" in the period between March 22 poll and the presidential inauguration in May.

Hsieh, Ma Face Off in Last Debate
(Taipei Times, Mar. 10, 2008) DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh  and his KMT rival Ma Ying-jeou faced off in the second and final televised debate yesterday, with Hsieh attacking Ma's cross-strait economic policy, while Ma criticized the performance of the DPP administration.

Hsieh Advocates Cooperation; Ma Asks for Full Rule
(Taiwan News, Mar. 8, 2008) Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh stated that he would aim to end "cutthroat political struggle" through "coexistence" and would be willing to appoint a Kuomintang premier, while KMT rival Ma Ying-jeou called for "complete governance" so that the KMT would bear "full responsibility" for realizing its policies.

Ruling Party Uses China-Phobia to Try to Cut Gap in Taiwan Election (AP, Mar. 8, 2008) Only two weeks before Taiwan's March 22 presidential elections, Frank Hsieh of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party is counting on fear of rival China to help him overtake his opponent.

Taiwan's Opposition Presidential Candidate Widens Lead: Poll
(AFP, Mar. 3, 2008) With the presidential vote barely three weeks away, Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party candidate Ma Ying-jeou has widened his lead over rival Frank Hsieh of the ruling party. Ma's support rose to 54 percent, up five percent compared with last week, while support for Hsieh rose from 19 percent to 20 percent.

Taiwan Presidential Hopefuls Back Better China Ties
(AFP, Feb. 25, 2008) Taiwan's presidential hopefuls voiced support for a lessening of tensions with rival China as they squared off in their first live televised debate ahead of next month's election.

Hsieh, Ma Go Head to Head in Debate
(Taipei Times, Feb. 25, 2008) Frank Hsieh and Ma Ying-jeouwent head to head in their first pre-election televised debate. They discussed issues ranging from national identity and cross-strait affairs to the economy, environment and social welfare.

If Elected, Hsieh Will Invite Hu to Meet in Kinmen
(Taiwan News, Feb. 19, 2008) Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh issued an invitation to People's Republic of China State Chairman Hu Jintao to visit Taiwan during a campaign stop on the Taiwan-ruled island of Kinmen off the Fujian coast.

Spy Claims Hit Taiwan Presidential Hopeful's Support: Poll
(AFP, Feb. 16, 2008) Support for Taiwan presidential candidate Frank Hsieh has dropped since he was accused of spying on a dissident group in the 1980s which established his current party, according to a poll released.

'Next' Accuses Hsieh of Being Spy in 1980s
(China Post, Feb. 14, 2008) Frank Hsieh has been alleged to have acted as a government informant during the 1980s, spying on the opposition camp that has since become the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) he is representing in the presidential election.

Legislature Sworn In ahead of Presidential Poll
(Taiwan News, Feb. 2, 2008) Opposition Kuomintang heavyweight Wang Jin-pyng was re-elected for his fourth term as speaker of the new Legislature, which is a restructured, downsized 113-member lawmaking body.

Old Passport Clears KMT Hopeful
(China Post, Feb. 1, 2008) A spokesperson for opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou produced one of Ma's old passports, demonstrating that the presidential hopeful did apply for visas while visiting the U.S. in the early 1990s.

Hsieh, Ma Begin Presidential Campaigns Today
(Taiwan News, Jan. 28, 2008) Presidential candidates kicked off their campaigns for elections scheduled for March 22, with ruling the party presidential candidate offering a "three noes and two do nots" pledge, and the opposition party presidential candidate calling for the establishment of a new Taiwan and closer tie with China.

Ma Unveils Cultural Policies, Wants More 'Soft Power'
(Taipei Times, Jan. 25, 2008) Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou unveiled his cultural policies, pledging to establish a Ministry of Culture and Tourism and to increase the budget for the cultural sector from 1.3 percent of the general budget to 4 percent if elected president.

Hsieh Vows to Seek Peace Pact with China
(Reuters, Jan. 25, 2008) Taiwan presidential candidate Frank Hsieh, whose ruling party traditionally takes a hard line against China, said yesterday he would seek a peace agreement with China if elected in a March 22 election.

Nobel Laureate Endorses Hsieh for President
(Taiwan News, Jan. 23, 2008) Chemistry Nobel Laureate Lee Yuan-tseh has said that he looks forward to seeing Frank Hsieh win the presidential election in March. If the Kuomintang, which won a landslide victory in the legislative election on January 12, also won the March 22 presidential election, Taiwan's democracy would be thrust into a dangerous situation.

Hsieh Welcomes Power-Sharing Idea
(Taipei Times, Jan 18, 2008) One day after saying he would appoint a CEO as premier if elected, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said he would "seriously consider" asking his Kuomintang (KMT) rival to lead the Cabinet.

Ma Vows to Maintain Status Quo
(Taiwan News, Jan. 16, 2008) The opposition Kuomintang's presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou pledged that he would not declare independence for Taiwan or seek unification with China if he is elected president. Instead he would seek cooperation with China for the benefit of both sides, he said.

DPP Names Frank Hsieh as Acting Party Chairman
(AFP, Jan. 3, 2008) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), reeling after a crushing defeat in weekend parliamentary polls, tried to bounce back by naming its presidential hopeful as acting chairman. As party chairman, Mr Hsieh - who has kept a relatively low profile in the legislative campaign - would be in a strong position to influence the party's strategy in the upcoming presidential race.

Chen Steps Down as DPP Chairman
(Taiwan News, Jan. 13, 2008) President Chen Shui-bian resigned his concurrent post as chairman of the governing Democratic Progressive Party to take "full responsibility" for what he termed "the greatest defeat suffered by the DPP since its founding" over 21 years ago.

Taiwan Opposition Heads to Landslide Win
(AP, Jan. 12, 2008) Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) appeared headed to a landslide victory in legislative elections, dealing a blow to the government's hardline China policies two months before a presidential poll.

Chen Revisits Site of 2004 Shooting to Win Votes
(Straits Times, Jan. 10, 2008) Mr Chen retraced the exact route he took four years ago when he was shot while campaigning for his presidential re-election. By revisiting the trail, he could have one goal in mind: to evoke the memories - and badly needed support - of voters.

Taiwan Prosecutor's Office to Appeal Acquittal of Opposition Leader (DPA, Jan. 9, 2008) Taiwan's prosecutor's office said that it would appeal the High Court's acquittal of opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou on embezzlement charges, a move that might affect Ma's run for president.

Man Attacks Wife of Taiwan Polls Candidate
(AP, Jan. 9, 2008) The wife of a prominent Taiwanese lawmaker was assaulted yesterday while canvassing for votes in southern Taiwan ahead of legislative elections. The attack is not the first of its kind in the current election campaign.

Taiwan Gears Up for Vote with 'Super Sunday' Rallies
(AFP, Jan. 7, 2008) Taiwan's political heavyweights hit the campaign trail Sunday with less than a week to go before parliamentary elections seen as a key indicator of who could take the presidency in March.

Taiwan's President Promises Peaceful Transition of Power
(DPA, Jan. 6, 2008) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian promised he will ensure a peaceful transition of power when he steps down on March 20. "You can be hundred per cent sure about peaceful transition of power on May 20. Some people said I will try to prolong my term by imposing the martial law. I won't do that," Chen said.

Ma Files Lawsuits Against Prosecutors
(Taiwan News, Jan. 4, 2008) After temporarily enjoying the not-guilty verdict on his special allowance funds case, Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou had his lawyers file lawsuits at the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office against prosecutors for alleged document forgery and negligence of duty.

KMT Accepts CEC Voting Method
(Taiwan News, Dec. 30, 2007) The opposition Kuomintang decided not to continue insisting on its "two-step" voting format for the upcoming Legislative elections on January 12, saying it would accept the Central Election Commission's modified "one-step" voting format.

Ma's Popularity Rate Surges After Acquittal
(China Post, Dec. 30, 2007) Voter support for presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang has surged. 45.3 percent said they would vote for the Ma-Siew ticket, the highest rate of its kind shown in five surveys carried out by the China Times. By contrast, 24.2 percent of the surveyed voters said they would support the DPP's Hsieh-Su team.

Court Clears Taiwan’s Ma Ying-jeou of Charges
(AP, Dec. 28, 2007) Taiwan's High Court cleared opposition presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou of graft charges, securing a place for the former Taipei mayor in the March presidential race. With the court's decision, the 57-year-old Ma is now free to press forward with his message of closer ties with rival China and an improved Taiwanese economy in the run-up to the presidential election.

Executive Yuan Issues Ultimatum on Voting System
(Taiwan News, Dec. 25, 2007) The Executive Yuan issued a final ultimatum to the chairpersons or executive supervisors of city and county election commissions to abide by the "single-stage" voting system for the January 12 Legislative Yuan election or face immediate dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.

DPP Candidate Says Taiwan 'on Path to Dignity'
(Taiwan News, Dec. 19, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said in Tokyo that he hopes Taiwan will capitalize on its "intelligent power" to become a "miracle maker" for world peace. Hsieh said that as an independent country, Taiwan is seeking to join the international community and hopes to win global recognition.

CEC Insists on One-Stop Ballots
(China Post, Dec. 19, 2007) Central Election Commission chairman Chang Cheng-hsiung trumped his own secretary-general, a day after the latter declared ballots distributed at two stops are just as valid as those issued at one stop. Moreover, the outcome of elections in places where ballots are distributed at two stops will be confirmed one week after the elections, Chang announced.

NSB Chief Denies KMT Wiretapping Allegations
(TT, Dec. 18, 2007) National Security Bureau (NSB) chief Shi Hwei-yow said that national security officials had not illegally monitored the opposition parties.

Opposition Accuses Government of Bugging Its Campaign Offices (Taiwan News, Dec. 17, 2007) Taiwan's main opposition party yesterday accused the government of bugging its offices to find out about its campaign strategy ahead of next month's legislative elections.

DPP Chairman Denies Party Up to 'Dirty Tricks'
(Taiwan News, Dec. 16, 2007) Reports of a secret meeting on December 8 between Kuomintang vice presidential candidate Vincent Siew and American Institute in Taiwan Chairman Raymond Burghardt gave rise to a war of words between the ruling and opposition parties. The pan-blue camp accused the pan-green parties of using dirty tricks during the election campaign.

Lee Severs Ties with Chen over Corruption Cases
(AFP, Dec. 10, 2007) Former President Lee Teng-hui has broken ranks with former ally and successor Chen Shui-bian , saying he was wrong to back him in 2004 and urged countrymen to oust his party from office.

Chen Retracts Threat of Martial Law for Taiwan
(Straits Times, Nov. 27, 2007) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said he was mulling drastic measures - including imposing martial law - to resolve a dispute over voting arrangements for the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. But the Taiwanese leader swiftly retracted his threat to declare martial law. Mr Chen's remarks have also fuelled fears that the upcoming elections could prove to be highly contentious.

Chen Raises Martial Law Specter
(Taipei Times, Nov. 26, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian said that he was seriously considering four suggestions if the 18 pan-blue controlled cities and counties went through with their threat of implementing the two-step process. The options are: implement martial law; invalidate the results of the pan-blue controlled authorities; replace local election commission heads, or get the CEC to delay the elections.

Taiwanese Parties Fight over Voting System for Jan Polls
(Straits Times, Nov. 24, 2007) ONE election, two systems? That is Taiwan's latest political poser, as its main parties tussle over how voters should cast their ballots in the legislative elections and two referendums scheduled for Jan 12. The dispute revolves around whether the ballots for the polls should be given together or separately to each voter.

Ma Rules Out Unification Talks with China
(TN, Nov. 23, 2007) The opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said in Japan that if he wins the presidential election next March, he would not engage in talks with China on unification during his tenure, reaffirming his stance on maintaining the status quo across the strait.

Ma Promises to Ease Tensions with China, Boost Japan Ties
(AFP, Nov. 22, 2007) Taiwan's presidential hopeful Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday he would work to ease tensions with China while keeping friendly ties with Japan if he is elected next year.

428 Candidate to Vie for 113 Legislative Seats: CEC
(China Post, Nov. 22, 2007) A total of 428 people from 13 parties are seeking to vie for the 113 seats up for grabs in the Jan. 12 legislative election, according to officials from the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Ma Unveils Foreign Policy Paper, Departs for Japan
(China Post, Nov. 21, 2007) Opposition KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou called for "flexible diplomacy" in defending sovereignty and expanding bilateral relations, while he blamed the "scorched earth diplomacy" of the ruling DPP for utterly isolating Taiwan from international diplomacy.

Kuomintang Presidential Candidate Leading Poll by 15%
(China Post, Nov. 19, 2007) Taiwan's opposition presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou is leading his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opponent Frank Hsieh by 15 percent in the latest opinion poll data, the Taipei-based China Times reported. The paper, however, pointed out that 41 percent of the respondents were undecided.

KMT Vows to Stick with Two-Stage Vote Process
(Taiwan News, Nov. 18, 2007) The opposition Kuomintang said it would have the 18 counties and cities it governs in Taiwan enforce a "two-stage voting process" for the approaching legislative elections. KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou voiced his support for his party's resolve on the issue, saying a "two-step" arrangement could prevent possible chaos at polling stations on January 12, 2008.

'One-Stop' Ballot Distribution Adopted
(China Post, Nov. 17, 2007) The Central Election Commission adopted a controversial "one-stop" ballot distribution for legislative elections scheduled to take place Jan. 12 next year. Under the newly-adopted system, a voter is required to receive four blank ballots at one stop in a polling station.

Chen, Hsieh Deny Split on China Policy
(Taipei Times, Nov. 14, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh dismissed allegations that they were at odds over cross-strait economic policy. Asking the public to refrain from taking "election talk" too seriously, Chen said that Hsieh would not have made such remarks had Hsieh still been the premier.

2008 Polls are about the Economy: AmCham Head
(China Post, Nov. 9, 2007) "It's all about the economy," said Richard Vuylsteke, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei in response to a presentation given by DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh to the members of AmCham.

Sparks Fly in Taiwan over Torch Relay Plans
(AFP, Oct. 22, 2007) President Chen is scheduled to start the island-wide relay from Taipei as part of his push for the poll to be held alongside presidential elections on March 22. However, the city's mayor Hau Long-bin, from the leading opposition Kuomintang, has asked the DPP to apply for legal permission as it is a political event, a request that has been roundly ignored by Mr Chen. 'I'll be the first one to start the torch relay as scheduled. Come and get me, if he (Hau) dares,' the President told a group of supporters.

Ma Declares Future of Taiwan Should Not Be Decided by China
(Taiwan News, Oct. 16, 2007) It is up to the people of Taiwan - and not China - to decide the island's future, opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou said.

Hsieh, Ma Trade Barbs over Nation's Priorities
(Taiwan News, Oct. 14, 2007) Strong words have been exchanged between President Chen Shui-bian, ruling Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh, and opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou over the topics of Taiwan's referendum on the U.N. bid and the nation's economy.

Hsieh Explains Absence on Blog
(Taipei Times, Oct. 10, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh's absence from campaign activities has mystified the ruling and opposition parties, despite his explanation in a video message posted on his Web log.  Hsieh has canceled all campaign activities since Sept. 28 -- the 21st anniversary of the founding of the DPP.

Kuomintang Vice Presidential Candidate Siew Visits United States Congress (CNA, Oct. 5, 2007) The opposition Kuomintang's vice presidential candidate, Vincent Siew, visited the U.S. Congress on the first day of his visit to America, with an aim of strengthening bilateral relations.

Ma Challenges Hsieh's Pledge on Links
(CNA, Sep. 26, 2007) Opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou urged Frank Hsieh, his ruling Democratic Progressive Party rival, not to deviate from his China links proposal to placate "deep green" voters.

Hsieh to Promote New Patriotic Plan
(CNA, Sep. 26, 2007) The campaign office of Frank Hsieh, presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, announced that it will promote a new patriotic movement through a "Taiwan reform" camp.

Ma Attacks Hsieh over 'Republic of Taiwan'
(Taipei Times, Sep. 6, 2007) Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou ridiculed his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) counterpart for saying that he is running for the president of the Republic of Taiwan, condemning Frank Hsieh  for setting a bad example by refusing to acknowledge his own country.

Taiwan Prosecutors Appeal Acquittal of Opposition Leader
(AFP,, Aug. 19, 2007) Prosecutors in Taiwan have appealed the acquittal of the main opposition's presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou on corruption charges. Ma repeatedly denied the charges, insisting he acted in exactly the same way as some 6,500 other government chiefs entitled to special expenses.

Taiwan's Ma Acquitted of Fraud Charge
(Bloomberg, Aug. 14, 2007) Ma Ying-jeou, the presidential candidate of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang, was cleared by a Taipei District Court today of fraud charges that could have derailed his campaign for the March 2008 election.

Hsieh Asks Su To Be His Running Mate
(Taipei Times, Aug. 13, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh, who is visiting Singapore, confirmed that he has invited former premier Su Tseng-chang to be his running mate.

Chen Voices Fears about Judiciary's Intervention
(Taipei Times, July 31, 2007) President Chen Shui-bian expressed apprehension over the intervention of the judiciary in the upcoming presidential election as the presidential candidates of both the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang (KMT) fight allegations of corruption.

Hsieh Meets with Colin Powell
(CNA, July 27, 2007) Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh met with former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. According to Hsieh, Powell reiterated during the meeting that the U.S. policy remains that Washington opposes any unilateral action to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. However, Hsieh admitted that there are differences between Taiwan and the United States over the definition of the "status quo."

Hsieh Pans 'Cross-Strait Common Market' Policy
(Taipei Times, July 23, 2007) Visiting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh panned a "cross-strait common market" concept advocated by the Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate as "ridiculously unrealistic."

Official Washington Eager to Size Up Hsieh
(Taipei Times, July 21, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh left for the US yesterday on a visit that will give him and US officials the chance to size each other up.

Ma, Hsieh Trade Barbs on Taiwan History
(Taiwan News, July 10, 2007) Taiwan's two major candidates in the upcoming presidential election highlighted different views of Taiwan's history of colonial and external rule in their first face-to-face exchange.

Presidential, Legislative Polls To Be Held on Separate Dates
(Taiwan News, July 7, 2007) The Central Election Commission has decided to hold two national elections that are expected to have large impacts on Taiwan's political situation at different times in the coming year because of the lack of a consensus among the political parties and the general public.

KMT to Hold Referendum on UN Bid
(Taipei Times, June 29, 2007) The Kuomintang (KMT) said it would push for a referendum on the country's bid to join the UN and other international organizations under a "practical" name and flexible strategy that would increase the nation's chances of being accepted in more international organizations.

Ma Reiterates Mission to Save Taiwan's Economy
(China Post, June 26, 2007) Ma unveiled four concrete measures to stimulate Taiwan's economic development, including: revitalizing the service sector and traditional industries to create 100,000 more job opportunities; using an excellent living climate to attract talent from around the world to help develop Taiwan into a strong economic entity; and building Taiwan as a free trade area, among others.

KMT Revises Nomination Charter
(Taiwan News, June 25, 2007) The main opposition Kuomintang revised its party charter to prevent a potential guilty verdict in an embezzlement trial from blocking its presidential nominee Ma Ying-jeou's presidential bid.

Support Surges for Taiwan Opposition's Presidential Candidate
(Deutsche Presse-Agentur, June 24, 2007) A China Times poll of 700 adults showed that support for the KMT party's candidate has risen 8 percentage points to 40 per cent, from 32 per cent in late May. Support for Frank Hsieh, the ruling DPP party's presidential candidate, remains at about 20 per cent.

Taiwan's Ma Ying-jeou Chooses Siew as Running Mate
(Bloomberg, June 23, 2007) Taiwan's Kuomintang party candidate Ma Ying-jeou announced Vincent Siew as his running mate for next year's presidential election. Siew, 68, was premier of Taiwan from 1997 until 2000. Siew founded Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, a non- government organization promoting removal of economic barriers with the mainland.

KMT Presidential Candidate Arrives in New Delhi for Visit
(CNA, June 13, 2007) Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou arrived in New Delhi for a whirlwind two-day visit at the invitation of the Indian government.

Taiwan Candidates Differ on Chinese Views toward Island
(AP, June 12, 2007) Taiwan's presidential candidates pledged Monday to work for better relations with rival China, but differed markedly on whether Beijing would prove receptive to their overtures.

Taiwan Ruling Party to Stir China with Three Referenda
(Reuters, June 6, 2007) The ruling political party will attempt three voter referenda and pursue other reforms to advance the island's independence from China and rewrite its history, the party chief said.

Wang Rejects Offer to be Ma's Running Mate
(Straits Times, June 1, 2007) Ending months of speculation, Taiwan's Parliament Speaker Wang Jin-pyng formally rejected an offer from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to be its vice-presidential candidate.

Ma Ends Islandwide Biking Trip
(China Post, May 21, 2007) Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) candidate for the 2008 presidential race Ma Ying-jeou yesterday wound up his 675-kilometer south-north biking trip after reaching Fu Kuei Cape on the northern tip of the island.

DPP Unveils Legislative Line-Up
(Taipei Times, May 18, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) unveiled its legislator-at-large line-up yesterday, revealing that three contenders who have been labeled and boycotted by a group of deep-green supporters as "DPP bandits" are no longer shoo-ins for the seats.

DPP Task Force to Draft 'Normal Country' Resolution
(Taiwan News, May 17, 2007) The leading policy-making body of the governing Democratic Progressive Party yesterday established a seven-person task force to draft a proposed "normal country" resolution.

DPP to Push 'Normal Nation Resolution'
(China Post, May 11, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will set up a task force next week to draw up the ruling party's "normal nation resolution" in a move to redefine the DPP policy concerning the nation's status. The "normal nation resolution" is seen by analysts as a move by DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun to exert pressure on former Premier Frank Hsieh.

DPP Heavyweights Rally Behind Hsieh
(Taiwan News May 8, 2007) The leadership of the Democratic Progressive Party, including Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Su Tseng-chang and DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, declared their support for the nomination of former Premier Frank Hsieh as the governing party's standard-bearer in next year's presidential election.

Hsieh Wins DPP Member Primary Vote
(Taiwan News, May 7, 2007) Former Premier Frank Hsieh won a decisive victory in primary voting by members of the Democratic Progressive Party and appears to have secured the governing party's nomination in the upcoming presidential election.

AIT Head Says US Has No Favorite
(Taipei Times, May 4, 2007) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Stephen Young said that the US had no preference for any candidate for next year's presidential election and would continue to work with the next president.

KMT Nominates Ma to Run for President
(AFP, May 3, 2007) Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) nominated former chairman Ma Ying-jeou to run for the 2008 presidential election.

KMT Lawmakers Sue 102 Cabinet Members over Special Allowance Funds
 (CNA, May 2, 2007) A group of opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers yesterday initiated a lawsuit against 102 former and incumbent Cabinet members with the Supreme Prosecutors Office, seeking a probe into their alleged misuse of "special allowance funds" that have become controversial since former KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou's indictment in mid-February for the same reason.

KMT Paying Price for Helping Ma
(China Post, Apr. 23, 2007) The Kuomintang is paying the price for much needed support in the Legislative Yuan to stall a Democratic Progressive Party-sponsored bill to stop its former chairman Ma Ying-jeou from running for president.

DPP Wants to Combine Referendum, Elections
(Taiwan News, Apr. 17, 2007) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party announced that the DPP has been striving to put the issues of recovering ill-gotten party assets and using the name of "Taiwan" to apply for the U.N. membership to a referendum as well as pushing for a three-way combination of the presidential election, the legislative election and the referendum.

Taiwan Opposition Leader on Trial
(BBC, Apr. 3, 2007) Taiwan opposition leader and presidential hopeful Ma Ying-jeou has gone on trial in a corruption case which could hit his 2008 hopes.

Wang will not Participate in Primaries
(China Post, Apr. 3, 2007) Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng held a press conference and said that he will not participate in the Kuomintang presidential primaries, saying that the primaries cannot be a fair competition as it is tailored for specific individuals.

Ma Says Conviction Will Not Derail Presidential Bid
(Taiwan News, Apr. 2, 2007) Former Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said he would continue his presidential bid even if he is convicted of embezzlement in his trial set to begin April 3.

KMT Rallies to Defend Chiang's Contribution
(China Post, Apr. 1, 2007) The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) staged a march in Taipei near the Presidential Office to protest a government campaign attacking the legacy of late President Chiang Kai-shek.

DPP Finalizes Design for Primary Poll
(Taipei Times, Mar. 29, 2007) The proposal was designed to exclude voters from the primary poll who would never vote for the DPP in the presidential election while surveying pan-green and swing voters.

Prosecutors Clear Tainan Mayor
(China Post, Mar. 13, 2007) Taiwan prosecutors resolved not to indict incumbent Tainan mayor Hsu Tain-tsair because prosecutors didn't care about how the mayor utilized those special allowance funds requiring no invoices or receipts to claim. This was in sharp contrast to the indictment made by Taipei prosecutors against former Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou.

DPP to Use Exclusionary Polling System
(Taipei Times, Mar. 8, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it would only be polling loyalists and weed out 'light blue' elements for the legislator-at-large primaries to ensure that the nominees reflect the party's ideology.

Lu, Su also Faced with Gund Controversies
(China Post, Mar. 2, 2007) Both Vice President Annette Lu and Premier Su Tseng-chang could face barriers in their presidential bids following the disclosure of their spending of part of their special expense allowance on household purchases.

Opposition Politician Wins Libel Suit against Taiwan's President
(AFP, Feb. 16, 2007) James Soong won a libel suit over President Chen Shui-bian's claims that he had met secretly with a Chinese official. A Taipei District Court judge ordered Chen to pay three million Taiwan dollars in damages and run apologies on the front page of three newspapers.

DPP's 'Four Heavenly Kings' Face Graft Probe
(Reuters, Feb. 15, 2007) Four leading members of Taiwan's ruling party, including Vice-President Annette Lu, will be investigated for corruption, a prosecutor's office said yesterday, a day after the head of the main opposition party was charged with graft.

Ma's Popularity Goes Up, Despite Corruption Indictment
(AFP, Feb. 14, 2007) Resigned opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou's popularity has shot up, two surveys said, despite Taiwanese prosecutors indicting him on corruption charges.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Resigns
(BBC, Feb. 13, 2007) The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party has stepped down following an indictment on charges of corruption. However, he immediately vowed to clear his name and said he would run in the 2008 presidential election.

Taiwan Opposition Leader Faces Corruption Charges
(New York Times, Feb. 13, 2007) Corruption charges were filed against Ma Ying-jeou, the leader of Taiwan’s main opposition party who has been seen as a leading presidential candidate in 2008.

Ma Affirms Promise to Quit If Indicted
(Taiwan News, Feb. 10, 2007) Opposition Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said that he never embezzled any public funds or used any money that was not his since he began working in the government. Nevertheless, Ma said, he would resign from the KMT chairmanship if he is indicted on corruption charges.

Ma Lays into DPP in CNN Interview
(Taipei Times, Feb. 4, 2007) Ma Ying-jeou reiterated the KMT's support for maintaining the status quo and said the ruling party's independence stance endangered the nation. "We will maintain the autonomy of the island, maintain our dignity as a sovereignty, but we should improve relations with the mainland," Ma said.

Ma Admits Graft Allegations Have Hurt Him
(China Post, Feb. 4, 2007) Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou has admitted that the embezzlement allegations against him have hurt his image and that of the party's. He said the issue concerning his alleged misuse of the mayor's special expenses involves more than 6,500 administrators in Taiwan who are also allocated such special expenses for public relations purposes.

Taiwan’s 2008 Presidential Election By Kerry Dumbaugh
(CRS Report, Apr. 2008) In a large turnout on March 22, 2008, voters in Taiwan elected as president Mr. Ma Ying-jeou. Ma has promised to improve Taiwan’s economic performance, to improve Taiwan’s damaged relations with the PRC, and to address any annoyances in Taiwan-U.S. relations arising from the Chen Administration.

Taiwan's Poll Result Offers Hope for Peace with China By Minxin Pei
(Financial Times, Mar. 27, 2008) The resounding victory of Taiwan's opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), in last Saturday's presidential election has raised hopes for a new era of stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Relief in U.S. over Taiwan Election Result
(AP, Mar. 26, 2008) After eight years of often strained U.S. Taiwan relations, the United States is welcoming with relief Taiwan voters' choice of a president committed to engage, not antagonize, rival China.

Test in Taiwan
(Editorial, Washington Post, Mar. 25, 2008) Democracy has produced a government more favorable to Beijing -- which now must deliver on the promise of better relations. It now will be up to Mr. Hu to show that Beijing can strike such deals with Taipei without demanding that it sacrifice its de facto independence.

Taiwan's Chance to Expand Its Vision By Philip Bowring
(International Herald Tribune, Mar. 24, 2008) Outsiders tend to look at Taiwan entirely in terms of its relations with mainland China. But Taiwan's politics are driven more by domestic issues. Chen's vision was narrow. Ma now has four years to prove that he can exploit a window of opportunity to use closer cross-strait links to underpin, not undermine, Taiwan's status.

Taiwan Ruling Party Faces Overhaul after Poll Debacles
(AFP, Mar. 24, 2008) Taiwan's outgoing ruling party must soften its pro-independence rhetoric and hand power to a younger generation if it is to regain trust after two election debacles, lawmakers and analysts say.

Taiwan's Governing Party Fears It Has Lost Youth Vote By Jonathan Adams (International Herald Tribune, Mar. 19, 2008) With the presidential election set for Saturday, the youth vote has become a focus - and the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is worried that many of its young former supporters may have turned against it.

China-Taiwan Troubles Reach 'Sensitive' Stage
(Canwest News, Mar. 18, 2008) With the crisis in Tibet still on the boil, China now faces problems in Taiwan that Premier Wen Jiabao admitted Tuesday had reached the "sensitive" stage.

Campaign Excesses Prompt Concerns over Democracy in Taiwan
(Vancouver Sun, Mar. 17, 2008) The incivility, muckraking and all-round excesses of the Taiwanese presidential election campaign, which ends with Saturday's vote, is causing concerns over the future of democracy in the country.

No Dramatic Thaw with China Likely after Taiwan Poll
(Reuters, Mar. 16, 2008) Both Taiwan presidential candidates promise better ties with China, but whoever wins, chances of a dramatic or quick thaw in ties are unlikely as sensitive political problems will be tricky to tackle.

Foreign Policy Debated as Ma, Hsieh Square Off
(China Post, Mar. 10, 2008) Frank Hsieh promised yesterday Taiwan would not pay "extortion money" to keep diplomatic allies, if he were elected president. In answer to the same question, Ma only said he would continue foreign assistance but also ensure that no money would go to line the pockets of unscrupulous politicians.

Taiwan Vote Could Offer New Start for Frayed U.S. Ties
(Reuters, Mar. 7, 2008) When Taiwan voters elect a successor to President Chen Shui-bian later this month, their self-ruled island will get a fresh start in vital ties with the United States that have deteriorated on Chen's watch.

Old Allegiances Fade as Taiwan Heads for the Polls
(Reuters, Mar. 6, 2008) As the island heads for a presidential election on March 22, old allegiances based on how people felt about China are fading and a new generation of voters are looking to their wallets.

Are Electoral Promises Meaningful? By Wang Yeh-lih
(Taipei Times, Feb. 18, 2008) The first televised debate in preparation for the March 22 presidential election, in which the public will have an opportunity to ask questions to the candidates, will take place on Sunday. Regardless of how many concrete promises the two candidates make in the televised debate, the question is, what are the chances that these policy promises really will be implemented?

Latest Dispute over US Residency 'Could Hurt Ma's Presidential Bid' By Lawrence Chung (South China Morning Post, Jan. 30, 2008) Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, has been revisited by a controversy over US residency that pundits say could dearly cost him. Although most analysts put Mr Ma ahead following his party's landslide win in this month's legislative elections, he has been plunged into a predicament that has put his integrity and ability to manage a crisis under scrutiny.

Frank Hsieh and Ma Ying-jeous’ Policy Platform
(Straits Times, Jan. 28, 2008) Frank Hsieh’s Policy Platform Taiwan's political status: No need to declare independence as Taiwan is already independent. Resume dialogue with China. Cross-strait economic ties: Allow daily charter flights, to up to 20 Chinese cities, but no timeframe has been stated. Currently, charter flights from Taiwan to four Chinese cities are allowed on four key holidays.

Taiwan's Elections: Change, Continuity
(China Post, Jan. 28, 2008) While the Kuomintang has a very good chance at winning the March presidential election, don't write off the Democratic Progressive Party just yet, said Philip Yang, a professor in the department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. If the KMT does win, he said, expectations will be high. "It will need to deliver, and fast.

Taiwan Election Could Bring Diplomacy
(The Age, Jan. 25, 2008) The election of a new government in Taiwan could signal an end to "dollar diplomacy" in the Pacific. Yang Li-Huan, a Kuomintang (KMT) member of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, has told Pacific magazine the rise to power of her party in elections could end competition between Taiwan and China for influence in the Pacific.

Taiwan's Democratic Lesson
(Editorial, Washington Post, Jan. 21, 2008) Taiwan is providing an example of democracy's virtue. Chen Shui-bian, the island's twice-elected president, long ago wore out his welcome with voters; during his eight years in office, economic growth has lagged and corruption has flourished, while Mr. Chen's aggressive and occasionally cynical promotion of the cause of Taiwanese independence has backfired.

Taiwan's Economic Prospects Look Up after Election
(Reuters, Jan. 18, 2008) Taiwan's economic prospects could well improve following legislative elections, as a resounding win for the main opposition Nationalist Party points to closer trade ties with China. Taiwan's stock market and the local currency both rallied strongly after Saturday's election.

Taiwanese Voters May Ignore UN Referendum
(Straits Times, Jan. 16, 2008) Two referendums held alongside last Saturday's legislative elections were largely ignored by Taiwanese voters. The lack of voter interest suggests to some observers that a controversial referendum proposed by President Chen Shui-bian could meet the same fate during the March presidential election.

DPP Needs a New Way of Defining Localization By Chen Fang-ming
(Taipei Times, Jan 16, 2008) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has suffered a serious defeat. The loss was inevitable; the signs were already in place four years ago. Both the nomination and campaign strategies were thus flawed, resulting in a resounding defeat.

DPP Still in the Game Despite Huge Setback By Ong Hwee Hwee
(Straits Times, Jan. 14, 2008) The game is not over yet for the party. A close scrutiny of the election figures shows that its core support base is still intact. Besides, the presidential poll is decided by the entire electorate of Taiwan, unlike the legislative race, in which the pro-DPP constituency was massively segmented.

Taiwan Election May Ease Tensions With China By David Lague
(New York Times, Jan. 14, 2008) The landslide victory for the opposition Kuomintang in Taiwan’s parliamentary elections could sharply reduce the political influence of President Chen Shui-bian, who has antagonized China and frustrated the United States with his efforts to forge a strong national identity for Taiwan.

Despite Victory, Taiwanese Party Urges Caution
(Washington Post, Jan. 14, 2008) The Nationalist presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, presided somber-faced over a subdued victory ceremony, repeatedly invoking the need to be "humble" and "cautious" in the two months remaining until Taiwanese voters go back to the polls to replace President Chen Shui-bian.

Opposition in Taiwan Secures Major Win in Legislative Polling By Edward Cody (Washington Post, Jan. 13, 2008) The opposition Nationalist party scored an overwhelming victory in Taiwan's legislative elections, in a repudiation of President Chen Shui-bian's confrontational drive to push this self-ruled island along the road toward formal independence.

Taiwan Voters Still Confused By Ong Hwee Hwee
(Straits Times, Jan. 11, 2008) Even in an island where elections take place almost every other year, experienced Taiwanese voters are scratching their heads over new electoral rules which will apply for the first time. Several major changes will take effect concurrently, namely the implementation of the 'single-member district, two ballots' electoral system.

China's Front Line Appears to Brush Off Taiwan Polls
(Reuters, Jan. 11, 2008) Just over a decade ago, China lobbed missiles into waters near Taiwan in an attempt to influence the island's presidential election. Troops were mobilized and fighter jets readied. But as Taiwan gears up for parliamentary elections and presidential polls, China's front line with long-time enemy Taiwan appears to be breathing a lot easier.

Sharp Political Divisions Seen in Taiwan
(Taiwan News, Jan. 11, 2008) Taiwan's society seems to be sharply divided, particularly during election times, members of foreign press said. "The fierce debate between the DPP and KMT representatives suggest that there is a clear polarization in Taiwan."

Small Parties See New System as Obstacle
(Taiwan News, Jan. 10, 2008) Facing the challenge of the upcoming Legislative Elections in which the new "single-constituency, two-votes" system will be first implemented, many small party members had complained that the Central Election Committee's failure to promote the new voting system makes it even harder for them to survive in the tough campaign.

Taiwan's Economic Ties with China Weigh on Vote
(Agence France Presse, Jan. 9, 2008) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of President Chen Shui-bian, whose pro-independence drive has rankled China, faces off against the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which favors closer ties with Beijing. The party that wins the majority of the 113 seats up for grabs will take vital momentum into the March contest to choose Chen's successor, who could change the way business is done across the narrow Taiwan Strait.

January Vote Seen by Many as Pointer to Next President
(AFP, Jan. 7, 2008) Voters in Taiwan head to the polls later this week to choose a new legislature in what analysts see as a pointer to who will be the island nation's next president. The economy is the dominant issue amid concern about a slowdown in the pace of growth, but relations with China, as always, figure high on the agenda for Saturday's vote.

Analysts Predict Low Voter Turnout in Legislative Polls
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2008) Under the new single-member district and two-vote system, the turnout rate is expected to be low because voters can foresee the electoral result in certain constituencies, said Wu Chung-li, a political researcher at Academia Sinica.

Taiwan's Hottest Electoral Race Ever
(Straits Times, Jan. 4, 2008) It is election season in Taiwan, which means there is nothing candidates will not do to win over voters. They attend weddings and funerals, stand in the middle of rush-hour traffic to wave to motorists or send off residents on sightseeing tours. The Jan 12 election has been hailed as the most competitive race in Taiwan's parliamentary history.

Innocent Verdict Polishes Clean Image for Taiwan's Ma
(Reuters, Dec. 28, 2007) Ma Ying-jeou, presidential candidate for Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party (KMT), has carefully cultivated a clean image in his more than 25 years in local politics. That image got a boost o when the island's high court cleared the youthful-looking candidate of corruption and breach of trust charges, following a similar lower-court ruling on the matter in August.

Taiwanese Parties Take Cue from S. Korean Polls
(Associated Press, Dec. 24, 2007) Taiwanese candidates kicked off a campaign for next month's legislative elections, with both ruling and opposition parties studying the style of last week's presidential polls in South Korea. The Jan 12 elections are seen as a preview for the presidential polls two months later, when Taiwanese will pick a successor to Mr Chen Shui-bian.

Ma, Siew Unveil Second Phase of Economic Plan
(Taipei Times, Dec. 20, 2007) Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou unveiled the second phase of his economic platform, pledging to promote industrial innovation and relax investment regulations while normalizing cross-strait economic relations if elected.

Academic Says Pan-Blues Will Trounce DPP in Poll
(Taipei Times, Dec 17, 2007) A Taiwanese academic speculated in Washington last week that the pan-blue alliance will win 71 seats in the legislative elections next month, with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claiming just 39. Wu Chung-li, a researcher at Academia Sinica, made his forecast at a seminar sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Taiwan 'Needs to Revitalize Economy'
(Straits Times, Nov. 30, 2007) Taiwan would risk being downgraded from an ailing Asian Tiger to a 'sick cat' if prompt government action is not taken to revitalize its economy, said Ma Ying-jeou. Unveiling the specifics of his economic platform, Ma announced an NT$4 trillion domestic investment package to be implemented over eight years if he is elected in March.

MND to Monitor China Military Near Polls
(Central News Agency, Nov. 27, 2007) Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu promised that the ministry will publish weekly reports about the latest military movement of China one month prior to two major elections next year.  Lee also said that the number of servicemen who will be prevented from leaving their posts to vote in the upcoming elections will be far less than the nearly 40,000 in the 2004 presidential election.

Taiwan Presidential Frontrunner Changes Perceptions of Self, Party in Japan By Max Hirsch (Kyodo News, Nov. 23, 2007) Ma Ying-jeou wrapped up another three-day visit to Japan that seemed to win converts among Japanese powerbrokers to his point of view.  Ma wooed lawmakers here by promising peace in the strait through improved economic and security relations with Beijing; he also vowed to make Taiwan a ''hard rock'' by maintaining defense spending ''at no less than three percent of Taiwan's growth domestic product.''

Pre-Election Melees Start in Each Party
(China Post, Nov. 20, 2007) Dust has yet to settle on a melee within each political party among candidates running for a Legislative Yuan that will have only half of the seats it now has. Voters will elect 113 lawmakers, 34 of them at large, on January 12 next year. Each voter is required to cast two ballots, one for a candidate and the other for a party.

The Perennial Danger of a General Election in Taiwan By Jusuf Wanandi (Jakarta Post, Nov. 9, 2007) The presidential election in Taiwan is always critical for the peace and stability of the East Asian region, and one can almost expect that in the coming election there might yet be another drama, as Chen Shui-bian and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) may resort to dangerous tactics in order to win.

Identity, China Loom as Top Election Issues
(China Post, Sep. 17, 2007) Opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou proclaimed that "Taiwan is the Republic of China" in his latest major speech, and President Chen Shui-bian continued challenging what he called Ma's attempt to maintain a connection with China.

What Country Do You Want to Lead? By Lin Man-houng
(Taipei Times, Sep. 10, 2007) During a visit to southern Taiwan, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh said that he was actually running for president of the "Republic of Taiwan" (ROT). Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou  responded immediately by stressing that he is running for president of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. A battle between the ROT and the ROC is about to begin. The question of what country the candidates are seeking to lead is something perhaps not seen in any other election in the world.

DPP Heavyweights Pull Together for Unity of Party
(Taipei Times, Aug. 21, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh's three-month search for a running mate seemed to have reached a satisfactory conclusion when former premier Su Tseng-chang gave him a nod of approval.

DPP Swings into Top Gear for Presidential Election
(Straits Times, Aug. 17, 2007) One day after unveiling its dream team for next year's presidential election, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) swung into full election mode for what will likely be Taiwan's most tightly fought race.

It's a Hsieh-Su Ticket for DPP in Presidential Race
(Straits Times, Aug. 16, 2007) Just three months ago, the two men were at each other's throats trying to win the party's nomination for next year's presidential race. Now, Taiwan's presidential nominee Frank Hsieh is joining hands with Mr Su Tseng-chang to form the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's dream team.

Wouldbe Taiwan Leaders Both Dogged by Legal Woes
(Reuters, Aug. 4, 2007) Taiwan ruling party's presidential candidate breathed a sigh of relief after a court acquitted three former subordinates of graft, but the main opposition contender faces corruption charges and is braced for the worst.

Frank Hsieh Takes Tough Line on UN Bid, Cross-Strait Issues in Washington (Taipei Times, July 25, 2007) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh took a tough line on a number of issues that have found disfavor with the administration of US President George W. Bush on the eve of his talks with senior US officials. Hsieh said he could not promise to retain the "four noes" that President Chen Shui-bian enunciated in his two inaugural addresses.

Is Frank Hsieh a Moderate? By David G. Brown
(PacNet Newsletter, Pacific Forum, CSIS, July 5, 2007) Frank Hsieh Chang-ting has been nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as their presidential candidate. If elected, the prospects for improved cross-Strait and U.S.-Taiwan relations will hinge on whether he pursues moderate policies. Hsieh is widely perceived to be a moderate, by which is usually meant that he takes a pragmatic rather than ideological approach.

Taiwan's Choices By Philip Bowring
(International Herald Tribune, July 2, 2007) Taiwan is moving toward elections that may determine if renewed vigor can be breathed into its economy and its democratic process. Both are currently dominated by inward-looking concerns and a pettiness which irritate its friends - not least its chief protector, the United States.

Ma Criticizes Government's Foreign Policy
(Taiwan News, June 2, 2007) The ruling government is both incompetent and inefficient when it comes to foreign affairs, said Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou yesterday as he promised that if elected he would use a "four-E" approach of engagement, economy, elasticity, and equality, to solve Taiwan's diplomatic hardship if elected president.

The Pan-Greens Without New Tide By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, June 1, 2007) The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) former New Tide faction and the so-called Eleven Bandits for the most part lost in the party's legislative primaries. Among the losers were many current and long-time legislators who are good politicians with a fine record.

KMT to Mull Specific Taiwan Pledge in Party Charter
(Reuters, May 28, 2007) Taiwan's main opposition party, which once ruled all of China, will mull a proposal to amend its charter to underline its commitment to the island as it competes for Taiwan-identity votes in upcoming elections.

DPP Faction Speaks out against Bigwigs
(Taiwan News, May 28, 2007) The party primary of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party for the year-end legislative elections is already over, but former members of the disbanded New Tide Faction who have fallen into disfavor are still incensed about the way they were treated by the party's central leadership.

The DPP Is Needlessly Making Its Life Difficult By Lee Wen-chung
(Taipei Times, May 23, 2007) The trend of party members calling reformists "traitors" in the media and through public announcements is troubling. This is witnessed and examined by the public and light-green voters who voted for President Chen Shui-bian and who now have been excluded from the polls. This name-calling has deflated the hopes and expectations of many moderate DPP voters.

Chen's Election Cabinet Taking Shape
(Straits Times, May 15, 2007) An 'Election Cabinet' is taking shape in Taiwan with the appointment of a Chen Shui-bian loyalist as the island's new premier. Mr Chang Chun-hsiung, 68, yesterday became the island's sixth premier since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) took power seven years ago.

Chen Seen Continuing Hard-Line PRC Policy
(Associated Press, May 14, 2007) Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian is expected to name a loyalist as his new premier this week, a move that will strengthen the independence-leaning leader's grip on politics during his last year in office.

Wang and Ma: Less Than Foes, More Than Friends?
(Taipei Times, May 14, 2007) The fighting between two of the Kuomintang's (KMT) kingpins over the party's presidential ticket has proved that even the best plans can go awry, political analysts said.

MOJ Opinion on Special Funds Ruled Admissible as Evidence
(Taiwan News, May 9, 2007) The Taipei District Court ruled that a Ministry of Justice opinion which could prove favorable to former Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou was admissible as evidence in his trial.

Moderate on China to Lead Taiwan's Independence-Leaning Ruling Party into Polls (Associated Press, May 8, 2007) For months Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party had been embroiled in a bitter debate over choosing a standard bearer for the island's 2008 presidential elections, and setting down its policies toward rival China.

Taiwan Candidates Lose Hardline Approach By Peter Enav
(Associated Press, Apr. 24, 2007) As Chen Shui-bian's term as president of Taiwan winds down, so does the island's long-held and vehement insistence that it is independent from mainland China.

Taiwan Presidential Hopeful on Trial in, outside Court By Doug Young (Reuters, Mar. 31, 2007) He goes on trial for corruption on Tuesday and Ma Ying-jeou's behavior both inside and outside court could determine whether he remains front-runner to become Taiwan's next president.

Chiang's Image Fades in Taiwan
(Reuters, Mar. 26, 2007) After losing China to the Communists in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek, the general who fled to Taiwan and ruled it for a quarter of a century, is now also losing his grip over the island 32 years after his death.

New Electoral System Marked by 'Inequality'
(Taipei Times, Feb. 19, 2007) In a momentous change to the country's politics, a new voting system for legislative elections is eliciting hopes for the formation of a more substantial middle ground in politics -- as well as worries that the nation's democracy will suffer damage, analysts said.

Indictment of 'Mr Clean' Worsens Taiwan Turmoil By Rowan Callick
(The Australian, Feb. 15, 2007) The indictment of Taiwan's charismatic opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou for embezzling $420,000 has thrown into further turmoil an already turbulent political scene there.

Prosecutor Struggled with Decision to Indict Ma
(China Post, Feb. 14, 2007) Prosecutor Hou Kuan-jen, who indicted former Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, told reporters he struggled with the difficult decision, but in the end decided he must uphold the dignity of the law.

DPP Needs to Rethink Its Primary Poll System By Shen Fu-hsiung
(Taipei Times, Feb 06, 2007) A group of Democratic Progres-sive Party (DPP) legislators has proposed a mechanism to exclude pan-blue respondents from participating in the opinion polls that the party will use to choose candidates in its primaries. This "blue exclusion clause" is being fiercely debated within the party. Some lawmakers are claiming that the proposal is tailor-made for certain legislators.

US Poll Theory Does Not Fit Taiwan By Shih Chih-yu
(Taipei Times, Jan. 19, 2007) In Taiwan, surveys have repeatedly shown that there is often a lot of overlap between voters who would be willing to accept Taiwanese independence under the right conditions, and voters who would be willing to accept unification under the right conditions. The overlap could include as many as one-fourth of voters. Taiwanese, therefore, are not a classic model of moderate voters, but instead of "bi-polar voters," simultaneously drawn to both ends.

Ma, Su, Hsieh Among Top Presidential Contenders: Poll
(China Post, Jan 17, 2007) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) remains as the leading presidential hopeful in the 2008 presidential race, followed closely by Premier Su Tseng-chang and former Premier Frank Hsieh of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

DPP Reformers Face Steep Climb By Chiu Hei-yuan
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2007) Sadly, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is likely to push out some of the leading promoters of reform. In future, it may turn out to be very difficult for those promoting reform to remain within the DPP.

Election Defeat Proves No Obstacle for Hsieh
(Taipei Times, Jan. 7, 2007) Life is like a roller coaster ride -- at least for former premier Frank Hsieh. Despite his defeat in Taipei's mayoral race, Hsieh has been urged by many supporters to run in next year's presidential election. So far, he has yet to declare his candidacy.