Opposition parties mull alliance for legislative reform

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is working to develop an opposition alliance in the legislature with the People First Party (PFP) and the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), which would focus on the promotion of legislative reform, the party said yesterday.

A five-member panel convened by DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has authorized DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) to represent the party in negotiations, with a possible joint nomination in the election for legislative speaker tomorrow, DPP spokesperson Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) told a press conference.

AIT chair repeats US ‘neutrality’ in presidential poll

TAIWAN’S PREROGATIVE:：Raymond Burghardt said he doubted the voting outcome was affected by what any American had said, despite officials’ anti-DPP positions
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 - Page 1

American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Raymond Burghardt reiterated yesterday the US government’s neutrality in the Jan. 14 presidential election after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expressed concerns over US preference for specific political parties and its ramifications.

Burghardt, who began his visit to Taiwan on Sunday and leaves on Thursday — his 12th visit since February 2006 — sat down with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) yesterday morning before meeting DPP representative Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) in the afternoon.

The main objective of the visit is to “get [the US and Taiwan] on the right foot” on a range of bilateral issues as President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) begins his second term after winning his re-election bid, Burghardt told reporters after his 60-minute meeting with Wang.

Tsai looks toward ‘new beginning’ for the DPP

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The loss in the presidential election marked the end of a great run, but also a new beginning, because the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will continue to reform and looks to rise again in four years’ time, DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said yesterday in Chiayi City.

Tsai visited Chiayi City, Yunlin County and Changhua County on the second day of her nine-day nationwide “thank-you tour” to express her gratitude to voters for their support in the Jan. 14 presidential election.

DPP soul-searching on Taiwan, ‘1992 consensus’

NO CONSENSUS:Some within the party say accepting the ‘1992 consensus’ endorses the KMT’s stance, while others say it could be used to improve dialogue with Beijing
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Debate within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) about the so-called “1992 consensus” began right after DPP Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) loss in the presidential election and has continued throughout the Lunar New Year break, as the party tries to determine if it should fine-tune its China policy to appeal to voters, DPP politicians and analysts said.

The “1992 consensus” was seen as one of the crucial factors in the Jan. 14 presidential election, which gave President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) a second four-year term.

The “1992 consensus” is only a part of cross-strait relations and it did not directly contribute to the DPP’s loss in the election, former DPP legislator Lin Cho-shui (林濁水) said.

Tsai Ing-wen embarks on ‘thank you tour’ of nation

POST-MORTEM:The DPP chairperson is conducting a grassroots investigation into the reasons for her loss in the presidential election and to ask for local people’s input
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) today embarked on a nine-day “thank you tour” to express her gratitude to voters for their support in the presidential election, making her first stop in her hometown in Pingtung County.

Tsai, who lost by about 800,000 votes to incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) in the Jan. 14 election, returned from her Lunar New Year break to travel nationwide to thank supporters and local campaign organizers. Her tour is scheduled to conclude on Feb. 5.

DPP legislators fail to select new caucus whip

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus yesterday failed to select a new whip after holding a meeting to fill three caucus positions — whip, director-general and chief secretary — ahead of the legislative session which begins on Wednesday.

The legislature is likely to be the DPP’s primary battlefield in the next four years after it won 40 of 113 legislative seats — 13 more than four years ago — in the Jan. 14 elections.

More than 30 DPP legislators attended the meeting, but they could not decide between a pair of front-runners for caucus whip — incumbent caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) and legislator-elect Hsu Tain-tsair (許添財).

FEATURE: Tsai: No tears for a tough fighter

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 - Page 2

Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) was the only one smiling at the rally on the night of Jan. 14, when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate delivered her concession speech in Banciao District (板橋), New Taipei City (新北市).

Her supporters, aides and campaign staffers were not, sobbing over her larger-than-expected defeat — a loss of nearly 800,000 votes to President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who was running for re-election — and a missed opportunity for the DPP to return to power.

“It was at that moment I realized we — and she — shall return,” said Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), campaign spokesperson for the 56-year-old DPP chairperson.

Small political parties call for reform

FEEDING THE RICH:The Green Party Taiwan will get no subsidy because it didn’t meet the 5 percent threshold, but the KMT and DPP will receive NT$450 million in total
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Small political parties and civic groups yesterday called for amendments to the Constitution and reform of the electoral system in a bid to ensure fair political participation and competition.

Representatives from the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), the Green Party Taiwan, the New Party, the People First Party (PFP), the Taiwan Association for Human Rights and Citizen’s Congress Watch attended a joint press conference in Taipei.

DPP doesn’t need to change: Jacobs

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 - Page 3

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) does not have to change its China policy and accept the so-called “1992 consensus” following its loss in last week’s presidential election, an Australian political analyst familiar with Taiwanese politics said.

“The DPP does need to re--examine its China policy, but it does not have to change its fundamental position that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country,” Bruce Jacobs, a professor at Monash University of Australia, said in an interview with the Taipei Times on Wednesday.

Academics encourage Ma to be cautious with policies

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) would be wrong if he interpreted his re-election as a complete victory for his policies, because the development of Taiwan’s democracy appeared to be backsliding, a coalition of democracy advocates said yesterday.

While Saturday’s presidential and legislative elections ended peacefully, violations of core democratic values, including interference by business tycoons and foreign countries, posed great concerns to Taiwan’s democracy, said Hsu Wei-chun (徐偉群), an assistant professor at Chung Yuan Christian University.

Councilor’s call for HTC boycott draws a mixed response

LOYALTY:DPP councilor Liang Wen-jie accused Cher Wang of interfering in the elections with her comments in support of the ‘one China’ principle
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

A Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City councilor’s call for a boycott of HTC mobile phones following its chairperson’s election-eve endorsement of the so-called “1992 consensus” has drawn a mixed response.

Liang Wen-jie (梁文傑), who served as the DPP’s spokesperson during the election campaign, posted a message on his Facebook page on Monday saying that he would stop buying HTC products because HTC chairwoman Cher Wang (王雪紅) “interfered” in the election with her comments.

Tsai campaign theme failed to win support: poll

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) presidential campaign theme of “Taiwan’s first female president” failed to resonate with voters, according to a poll released by the Taiwanese Association for Pacific Ocean Development (TAPOD) yesterday.

A survey conducted three days before Saturday’s presidential election, in which President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) won his re-election bid, showed that two in three voters, or 66.7 percent, said they were “not interested” in Tsai’s campaign theme, TAPOD chairman You Ying-lung (游盈隆) said at a press conference held to announce the results.

TSU introduces new lawmakers

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday introduced its three new legislators and reiterated its intention to work with its ally the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the legislature.

TSU Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝) introduced Hsu Chung-hsin (許忠信), Huang Wen-ling (黃文玲) and Lin Shih-chia (林世嘉), who will be sworn in on Feb. 1. The party garnered 1.17 million party votes in the elections on Saturday, passing the 5 percent threshold and winning three legislator at-large seats.

KMT prepares to select deputy speaker nominee

CAREFUL:The KMT said it would choose someone who could mediate between the parties, while the DPP said it would think about whether to nominate a candidate
By Shih Hsiu-chuan  /  Staff Reporter, with CNA

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus is scheduled to vote tomorrow for its candidate for deputy legislative speaker prior to the start of the new legislature next month, KMT Secretary-General Liao Liou-yi (廖了以) said yesterday.

Several senior KMT legislators, including Ting Shou-chung (丁守中), Lu Hsueh-chang (呂學樟) and Chen Ken-te (陳根德) have signed up to run for the position, KMT Culture and Communication Committee Director Chuang Po-chun (莊伯仲) said, adding that more people might enter the race before registration ends today.

Reliance on China for strong economy not necessary: TSU

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday slammed calls from within the pan-green camp for a “reconsideration” of the so-called “1992 consensus” and for “making a choice between bread and ideology” following the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential election loss, saying that it was possible for the nation to enjoy dignity and strong economy without increased dependence on China.

Calls for the DPP to revisit its China policy as well as its refusal to recognize the so-called “consensus” arose after it lost Saturday’s presidential election by nearly 800,000 votes to the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).

‘1992 consensus’ not to blame for DPP’s loss: Lee

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Saturday’s peaceful presidential election was a good example of democracy and the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) loss was not caused by the so-called “1992 consensus,” former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) said yesterday.

Lee, who endorsed DPP Chairperspon Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) for president, said he was not disappointed with the outcome because “winning and losing [elections] is common in a democracy.”

Tsai to step down on March 1

TRANSITION:The focus has now shifted to who will take over as party leader, with some supporting senior party forces, while others are calling for younger faces
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Central Executive Committee yesterday accepted the resignation of Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen, two days after she lost the presidential race.

Although she is stepping down, Tsai said she is a DPP member for life and that she would stay in the party.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP ponders reasons for defeat

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Debate on which factor played the most prominent role — from its supposedly “untrustworthy” China policy to “dirty tactics” by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) — in the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) loss in the presidential election on Saturday began within the party yesterday.

The DPP’s failure to present a clear China policy was why DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) lost by a surprisingly large margin to President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), said DPP politicians, including several members of the DPP’s Central Standing Committee (CSC), Tsai’s campaign spokesperson, Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), told reporters after a CSC meeting yesterday.

2012 ELECTIONS: Reform electoral system: Wang Jin-pyng

A HOUSE DIVIDED:：The DPP welcomed Wang’s call for a review of the system, saying it means pan-green voters in the north and pan-blue voters in the south are not represented
By Shih Hsiu-chuan and Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporters
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 - Page 3

Amid signs of a deepening polarization of the political scene between northern and southern Taiwan, Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) yesterday called for a review of the single-member electoral district system, saying that failure to do so could aggravate regional disparities.

As a result of a 2005 constitutional amendment, the country has implemented a “two-vote, single-member district” mechanism in lieu of the “single-vote, multiple-member district” system since the seventh legislative election in 2008, while the number of legislative seats was cut from 225 to 113.

The 2008 election showed the south was a stronghold for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while the north was firmly in the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) camp, Wang said.

2012 ELECTIONS: Elections ‘free, partly unfair,’ watchdog says

FEAR FACTORS:An independent observation mission said cross-strait relations and an imbalance in parties’ wealth, among others, weighed on voters
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The presidential and legislative elections conducted on Saturday were “mostly free, but partly unfair,” because of concerns about an authoritarian legacy and foreign interference, an international election watch group said in Taipei yesterday.

“Taiwan’s autocratic past has become interlinked with pressures from an authoritarian China, which have framed an unfair political context in the elections,” said Michael Danielsen, chairman of Danish group Taiwan Corner.

2012 ELECTIONS: Strategic voting resulted in Ma win, academics say

‘PLAIN AND SIMPLE’:James Soong received only 2.77 percent of the vote, despite polling at about 8 percent. Tsai could have won if he received 7 percent of the vote
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Strategic voting was a crucial factor in President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) surprisingly comfortable re-election victory on Saturday, but Ma will not enjoy a one-party dominance as he did in his first term because of a different legislative makeup, academics said yesterday.

“It was plain and simple. People First Party [PFP] Chairman James Soong’s (宋楚瑜) vote share was the deciding factor of the presidential election,” in which Ma cruised to a 6 percent lead over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Soochow University political scientist Hsu Yung-ming (徐永明) said at a post-election forum -organized by Taiwan Thinktank.

2012 ELECTIONS: Ma wins re-election

FOUR MORE YEARS:：Ma Ying-jeou won 51.6 percent of the total votes to Tsai Ing-wen’s 45.63 percent, while voter turnout, at 74.38 percent, was less that the 76.33 turnout in the previous presidential election in 2008, though all the numbers won’t be finalized until a Central Election Commission meeting on Thursday
By Loa Iok-sin and Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporters, with agencies
Sun, Jan 15, 2012 - Page 1

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday secured a second four-year term in office, ending the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) hope for a return to power.

Ma won re-election by more than 6.8 million votes, leading his DPP challenger, Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) — who garnered more than 6 million votes — by about 800,000 votes.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai’s defeat surprisingly large

‘WE WILL BE BACK’:：In its last survey before the election, the DPP predicted Tsai would win by 1 percent, or about 100,000 votes, in the hotly contested election
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Sun, Jan 15, 2012 - Page 3

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered a surprisingly large defeat yesterday in a presidential election that was expected to be a neck-and-neck race as DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) failed to keep President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) from winning a second term.

Tsai, who aspired to become the first female president in Taiwan’s history, garnered 45.63 percent of the total votes, while Ma received 51.60 percent.

At a post-election press conference, Tsai conceded defeat and offered her congratulations to Ma.

2012 ELECTIONS: AIT distances itself from Douglas Paal

NOT AFFILIATED:：The AIT said it was inappropriate for Director William Stanton to meet in an official capacity with Paal following his remarks about today’s election
By Shih Hsiu-chuan and Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporters
Sat, Jan 14, 2012 - Page 1

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) yesterday distanced itself from one of its former directors, Douglas Paal, after Paal praised the policies of President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and his Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) in a TV interview on Thursday, while also criticizing Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

AIT Director William Stanton called off a meeting with Douglas Paal yesterday morning, a source said, which was later confirmed by the Prospect Foundation, an institution affiliated with the KMT that invited Paal to visit Taiwan

2012 ELECTIONS: Lee Teng-hui stumps on stage for Tsai

THE FUTURE IS YOURS:：The former president spoke to a crowd of 80,000 Tsai Ing-wen supporters, saying the DPP leader would make Taiwan a model of democracy
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Sat, Jan 14, 2012 - Page 1

Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) capped off the grand finale to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) campaign last night, appearing on stage at a rally to endorse the candidate who hopes to become Taiwan’s first female president after today’s presidential poll.

“Believe in yourself. Believe that you can make a change with the vote in your hand. And believe that Tsai Ing-wen can lead this country and realize your hope,” Lee said, before embracing Tsai and her running mate Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全), both of whom were in tears.

“I don’t have much time left. Please support Tsai. Make her the first woman president in Taiwan who will make this country a model of democracy. Now, I put Taiwan’s destiny in your hands,” he said.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai confident on China relations, Hsiao says

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) hopes that her “consensus-building character” and her initiatives would make it possible to foster a stable, long-term relationship with China, as well as ending internal division in Taiwan, the party said yesterday at an international press conference.

About 200 members of the international media and an election observation delegation attended the press conference, held two days before tomorrow’s presidential and legislative elections at the DPP’s national campaign headquarters in Banciao District (板橋), New Taipei City (新北市).

2012 ELECTIONS: Nobel laureate goes on stage to stump for Tsai

FORMER COLLEAGUES:Lee Yuan-tseh, a former head of Academia Sinica, said that the DPP chairperson was the best of all the government officials he had worked with
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Nobel laureate Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲) yesterday threw his support behind Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) at a rally in Greater Taichung, urging voters to support “a leader who is resolute, has a sense of responsibility and excellent coordination skills.”

“Chairperson Tsai is an extraordinary person. I believe she will be one of the most respected and renowned heads of state in the world,” Lee, 75, told the rally, which the DPP said attracted about 50,000 supporters.

The former Academia Sinica president said Tsai was the government official who left him with the best impression during his career at the institution because of her problem-solving ability, communication skills and — most of all — integrity.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP voices concern over dirty tricks, vote buying

APPEAL TO MEDIA:A DPP spokesperson has asked reporters to refrain from sensationalizing the news if an election-eve incident were to occur to avoid conflict
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday warned of prevalent vote buying in central and southern Taiwan and the possibility of election-eve incidents today, urging authorities to step up investigations and security measures.

While voter turnout is regarded as one of the three key factors in the outcome of tomorrow’s presidential and legislative elections, vote buying and possible incidents pose greater concern, DPP spokesperson Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) told a press conference.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP alleges that police, judiciary showing bias

SELECTIVE INVESTIGATION:Several DPP legislative candidates have accused police and prosecutors of bias against the DPP regarding vote-buying investigations
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The fairness of Saturday’s presidential and legislative elections is in question after nationwide reports of the improper handling of cases of suspected vote-buying by the police and judiciary, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday.

Lee Chin-yung (李進勇), the DPP legislative candidate in Yunlin County’s first district, and Liu Chien-kuo (劉建國), the DPP legislative candidate in Yunlin’s second district, had been on a hunger strike since -Tuesday night in front of the Yunlin District Prosecutors’ Office to protest a raid on Lee’s campaign headquarters in Tuku Township (土庫) earlier that day, which the two claimed was an act of political repression.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai makes final push in Hakka areas

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) campaigned yesterday in Miaoli and Hsinchu counties, hoping to make a last push in the Hakka-populated area before Saturday’s presidential election.

The DPP chairperson appealed for the support of Hakkas and hoped to win at least 45 percent of the votes in Miaoli County, a feat the DPP has never accomplished.

In an election that could be decided by as few as tens of thousands of votes, every vote counts for Tsai, particularly in the Hakka constituencies, which have traditionally been dominated by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).

2012 ELECTIONS: ‘1992 consensus’ not vital for cross-strait talks: forum

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The so-called “1992 consensus” should not be used as a campaign tool to threaten Taiwanese and it is not a prerequisite for cross-strait engagement as President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Beijing have said, academics said at a forum yesterday.

The consensus never existed and the international community, in particular the US, has never forced Taiwan to accept it as a precondition for further engagement across the Taiwan Strait, they said at a forum to examine the consensus. The conference was organized by the Taiwan Brain Trust, which is generally perceived to be more sympathetic to the pan-green camp.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP grateful for Lee Teng-hui endorsement

NO ROOM FOR THE ELDERLY:：A KMT legislator urged Lee to stay out of the election and ‘take a rest’ after the former president endorsed Tsai Ing-wen in seven newspapers
By Chris Wang and Shih Hsiu-chuan  /  Staff Reporters
Thu, Jan 12, 2012 - Page 1

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday expressed gratitude to former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) for his public endorsement of DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), while several Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers, noting Lee’s age, suggested the 88-year-old should keep his hands out of the election and “let the people of Taiwan make the right decision on their own.”

“Many people at the forefront in politics were once under your nurturing care. You have raised their hands, seized their wrists and cultivated them,” KMT Legislator Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) said, referring to President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) — who is seeking re-election — whose hands Lee raised in support at a campaign rally in the run-up to the 1998 Taipei mayoral election.

2012 ELECTIONS: REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: DPP aides worried despite apparent upward momentum

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters and staff have privately expressed concerns about DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) electoral chances despite recent rallies that have made her momentum appearing unstoppable.

On the sidelines of a rally in Greater Tainan on Saturday, which drew about 100,000 participants, a supporter asked his friend if he thought Tsai was going to win.

“Judging from the momentum Tsai has enjoyed in the campaign, I really don’t see any reason why she cannot [win], but I’m afraid that just won’t be enough,” the friend said.

2012 ELECTIONS - SUPER SUNDAY: Tsai confident DPP heading for victory

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) last night wrapped up “Super Weekend” ahead of Saturday’s presidential election with two large rallies in the north, saying that she is confident the party is inching closer to victory.

Tsai kicked off the weekend in her hometown in Pingtung County on Saturday and traveled through southern, central and northern parts of the country, canvassing the streets during the day and organizing six large rallies at night, hoping to consolidate voter support.

The DPP campaign received a boost of confidence from -enthusiastic support for Tsai’s motorcade, which traversed the DPP strongholds of Greater Tainan and Greater Kaohsiung. Campaign aides said turnout was solid, with 100,000 rally participants in Greater Tainan and 20,000 in Lujhu (路竹), Greater Kaohsiung, on Saturday; while yesterday 30,000 turned out in Fengyuan (豐原), Greater Taichung, and -Yuanlin (員林), Changhua County; and 150,000 in Taipei.

2012 ELECTIONS: Candidates stage rallies nationwide

‘SUPER SATURDAY’:：All three presidential candidates turned on the charm yesterday at night markets, rallies and in motorcades as they sought to shore up support
By Mo Yan-chih and Chris Wang  /  Staff reporters, in Yunlin, Changhua and Greater Kaohsiung
Sun, Jan 08, 2012 - Page 1

Election fever was ratcheted up a notch yesterday on “Super Saturday” as the three presidential candidates criss-crossed the nation canvassing for votes, before they rounded up their days with campaign rallies.

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who is seeking re-election, stepped up his campaign efforts in Yunlin and Changhua counties, visiting markets and temples as he sought support in the pan-green strongholds.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai planning grand coalition to end divisions

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter, in Greater Tainan

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) proposal to form a coalition government if elected has sparked debate as the DPP yesterday said such a move would be Tsai’s solution to help end the nation’s political divide.

The DPP chairperson made the statement in the last of the three televised policy platform presentations on Friday evening, saying that if she is elected, her new administration would include people from a variety of parties and groups in accordance with the principle of consociational democracy and the idea of a grand coalition government.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai speaks to ‘NYT’ about the ‘Taiwan consensus’

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said in an interview with the New York Times published yesterday that her China policy has been consistent through the years — one that does not accept the “one China” principle and advocates bilateral engagement with a democratic process and under a multilateral framework.

The DPP chairperson said that a “Taiwan consensus,” based on majority opinion through open dialogue, is a better way to deal with China than the opaque -decision-making process used by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) for decades.

2012 ELECTIONS: KMT plans illegal mobilization: DPP

‘BLUE EAGLE’:：The DPP said that the minutes of a meeting in Hsinchu County showed that prize money would be awarded to KMT campaigners for high voter turnouts
By Chris Wang and Mo Yan-chih  /  Staff Reporters
Sat, Jan 07, 2012 - Page 3

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is planning an illegal mobilization next Saturday for the presidential and legislative elections, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday. The allegation was dismissed by the KMT, which challenged the DPP to report the case to prosecutors if it is sure the plan is illegal.

Citing documents obtained from the KMT, DPP spokesperson Kang Yu-cheng (康裕成) told a press conference that the party is planning to provide transportation services and to mobilize voters via text messages and telephone calls next Saturday in a systematic, nationwide project codenamed “Blue Eagle.”

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP’s piggy bank donation campaign brings in grand total of NT$201.2m

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) “three little pigs” fundraising campaign raised more than NT$200 million (US$6.6 million) in political donations from 143,000 piggy banks returned, the party said yesterday.

The DPP announced the completion of the money-counting during a press conference at DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) national campaign headquarters in Banciao District (板橋), New Taipei City (新北市).

The party said that a total of NT$201.2 million was raised from the piggy bank donations.

2012 ELECTIONS: TSU criticizes Evergreen founder

CONSENSUS KERFUFFLE:The TSU chairman questioned why Chang Yung-fa was so sure about the authenticity of the so-called ‘1992 consensus,’ asking if he was there
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday criticized Evergreen Group founder Chang Yung-fa (張榮發) for his endorsement of the so-called “1992 consensus,” saying that he spoke as Beijing’s mouthpiece despite his conscience.

Chang spoke about something he does not know about, while not saying something that he does know, TSU Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝), who served as Mainland Affairs Council chairman from 1991 to 1994 under then-president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), told a press conference yesterday.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai looking forward to ‘Super Weekend’

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter, in Taipei and Hsinchu City

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is looking forward to arguably the most important weekend of her presidential campaign ahead of the following weekend’s election.

The DPP chairperson is scheduled to wrap up the last of three televised debates tonight, trying to leave a lasting impression with voters that she would be a better choice and is more prepared than her rivals — President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜).

2012 ELECTIONS: Unshackled Chen to pay respects tomorrow

By Rich Chang and Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporters

The Ministry of Justice yesterday said it would allow former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to pay his last respects to his deceased mother-in-law tomorrow and that Chen would not be forced to wear restraints during the ceremony.

Chen will be allowed to pay tribute to Wu Wang Hsia (吳王霞), who died on Dec. 31, for one hour, the ministry said, adding that -Taipei Prison staffers and local police would be responsible for Chen’s security.

2012 ELECTIONS: Ma responsible for abuse of power: Tsai

‘PLEADING IGNORANCE’:：‘Next Magazine’ claimed that the KMT had asked government agencies to mobilize civil servants to attend a rally to support Ma Ying-jeou
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Thu, Jan 05, 2012 - Page 1

President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) should “take full responsibility” and “stop pleading ignorance” over a series of recent events that show his administration has not remained neutral and has exploited the state apparatus in the run-up to the presidential election, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said yesterday.

As the president and the chairman of the ruling party, Ma “cannot say he doesn’t know about them [events] or say the opposition party is using smear tactics when it has presented evidence and it has good reason to voice its doubts” about the government, the DPP chairperson said at a campaign stop in Yilan County.

Tsai was referring to a series of reports on the Ma administration’s alleged illegal practices, including monitoring of the DPP’s campaign by intelligence services, as well as embedded advertisements and campaigning for Ma’s re-election bid by government agencies and civil servants.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP says leaked papers prove its claims of spying

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Thu, Jan 05, 2012 - Page 3

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday provided what it called evidence that proves illegal monitoring was undertaken by the intelligence apparatus, saying spying on DPP officials began as early as March last year during the party’s presidential primary.

For the second time in three days, the party disclosed documents it said were leaked by anonymous sources at the Ministry of Justice’s Investigation Bureau to back the party’s claim that DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is being monitored by the bureau.

2012 ELECTIONS: Ma’s labor policy a ‘miserable failure’: DPP

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) performance on labor issues during the past four years has been a “miserable failure” because he is incompetent and does not know how to identify problems, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday.

Former Council of Labor Affairs minister Lu Tien-lin (盧天麟) and Liu Ching-hsing (劉進興), a professor and former DPP legislator, critiqued Ma’s labor policy and submitted four questions to the president during a press conference at the DPP’s headquarters yesterday.

“We would like to know why you [Ma] couldn’t find a solution to the increasing number of workers who are on involuntary furloughs and the increasing number of part-time workers?” Liu said.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP accuses Ma government of breaking neutrality

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The administration of President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) breached administrative neutrality by spending more than NT$100 million (US$3.3 million) — NT$52.51 million last month alone — on newspaper advertisements to promote Ma’s re-election campaign, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday.

“While Ma has been promoting his frugality, the president has no trouble spending the taxpayers’ money with the way the government agencies spent their public relations budget,” DPP spokesperson Kang Yu-cheng (康裕成) told a press conference.

2012 ELECTIONS: Chen’s office pans funeral ban

TRADITION:The ex-president’s office said there was a hidden agenda in allowing him to pay his respects to his mother-in-law, while barring him from attending the funeral
By Chris Wang and Rich Chang  /  Staff Reporters

The office of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday said it deplored a decision by the Taipei Prison that allows Chen to pay his respects to his mother-in-law, yet bars him from attending the funeral, saying there was a hidden political agenda and that it went against Taiwanese traditions.

Taipei Prison spokesperson Su Kun-ming (蘇坤銘) said the prison would not allow Chen to pay tribute to Wu Wang Hsia (吳王霞) at her funeral service, but that he could apply to pay his respects for any time before the funeral.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP files charges over spying claims

DOUBLE STANDARDS?：A lawyer said the SID should be able to probe claims of spying on Tsai Ing-wen just as quickly as it had probed accusations against her
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Wed, Jan 04, 2012 - Page 1

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday filed charges against two high-ranking intelligence officials, accusing them of spying on the DPP’s presidential candidate, Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

DPP Legislator Chen Chieh-ju (陳節如) and lawyers Hsu Kuo-yong (徐國勇), Huang Di-ying (黃帝穎) and Lin Hong-wen (林鴻文) brought charges against National Security Council Secretary-General Hu Wei-chen (胡為真) and Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) Director Chang Ji-ping (張濟平) at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Special Investigation Division (SID) yesterday morning.

2012 ELECTIONS: Spying documents shredded: source

‘AN-PING-SHUN PROJECT’:：A legislator accused the prosecutor-general of dragging his feet in opening up an investigation into alleged government spying on candidates
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Tue, Jan 03, 2012 - Page 1

The Ministry of Justice’ Investigation Bureau (MJIB) has ordered that all documents related to monitoring President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) opponents in the presidential election must be destroyed after the illegal practice was disclosed by the media, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday, citing an anonymous source inside the bureau.

Documents provided by the source seem to confirm the existence of a project, codenamed “An-Ping-Shun Project,” to monitor DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and People First Party (PFP) candidate James Soong (宋楚瑜), DPP lawyer Hsu Kuo-yong (徐國勇) said at a DPP legislative caucus press conference.

The source also told the DPP that MJIB Director Chang Ji-ping (張濟平) had ordered on Friday that all the documents and information related to the project be destroyed by Saturday after the monitoring was reported by the media on Wednesday last week, Hsu said.

Chen allowed to attend funeral

SHACKLED:The former president must wear handcuffs and leg shackles while attending the ceremony, and he can only stay for 30 minutes before being taken back
By Chris Wang and Rich Chang  /  Staff Reporters

Taipei Prison yesterday announced it would grant former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) permission to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral on Jan. 10, but said that Chen, who is serving a 17-and-a-half-year sentence for corruption, would wear handcuffs and leg shackles and be barred from granting interviews with the media.

Taipei Prison spokesperson Su Kun-ming (蘇坤銘) told a press conference that according to regulations, detainees can apply to leave the prison to pay their last respects at one event, but they must be accompanied by guards and return to the prison within 24 hours. The regulation applies to an inmate’s immediate family, as well as his or her spouse’s immediate family.

2012 ELECTIONS: The TSU again accuses Ma of committing treason

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday accused President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of committing treason by creating the so-called “1992 consensus.”

The “1992 consensus” never existed, but Ma has conspired with China to create the consensus, betraying Taiwanese and the Republic of China (ROC), TSU Chairman Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝) said at the book-launch ceremony for Truth Behind Ma Ying-jeou’s Treason published by the TSU.

2012 ELECTIONS: Last DPP poll has Tsai ahead by 1 point

‘NECK-AND-NECK’:The poll showed that the DPP has made great strides in northern and central Taiwan, but voter turnout may be the deciding factor on Jan. 14
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) leads President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who is seeking re-election in the Jan. 14 presidential election, by about 1 percentage point, or between 100,000 and 150,000 votes, in the party’s latest survey, the DPP said yesterday.

The party estimated that almost 99 percent of the electorate have decided who they would vote for two weeks before election day, and turnout rates would be one of the deciding factors.

Tsai pledges solidarity, justice if she wins poll

NEW YEAR’S DESIRE:The DPP’s presidential candidate wished all Taiwanese a happy new year and said she wanted to win the election to give the country new direction
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

In her New Year speech yesterday, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said her wish was to win the Jan. 14 presidential election and promised to turn Taiwan into a country where solidarity and justice prevail.

“My fellow countrymen, I wish you a happy new year on the first day of 2012. I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere pledge to make Taiwan a country of solidarity and justice,” she said at a flag-raising ceremony in Greater Tainan.

2012 ELECTIONS: Poll shows turnout is key

MOTIVATED:When Taiwan Thinktank factored in the motivation of voters, its results showed that a higher turnout decreased Tsai Ing-wen’s chances of winning
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Voter turnout could be the deciding factor of the Jan. 14 presidential election and most people feel there will not be a shooting incident on the eve of the elections, the results of an opinion poll showed yesterday.

The poll, conducted by Taiwan Thinktank, found that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) trails President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) by 1 percentage point — 37.8 percent support compared with Ma’s 38.8 percent, with People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) receiving 11.6 percent, think tank director Kuo Chien-chung (郭建中) told a press conference.

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP seeks impartial probe

By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Prosecutor-General Huang Shyh-ming (黃世銘) should live up to his pledge of impartiality and launch an investigation into the reported monitoring of opposition candidates as soon as possible, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday.

The party also lamented Huang’s refusal to meet with its representatives on Friday over the intelligence authorities’ reported monitoring of DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), DPP spokesperson Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said at a press conference.

2012 ELECTIONS: Tsai declares 2012 to be ‘special year’

NEW YEAR CHEER:Tsai said harmony would be a key theme for her administration and its policies, as her ‘Taiwan consensus’ did not rule out any possibilities
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) bid farewell to 2011 yesterday, saying she would make Taiwan a better country through justice and fairness if she were elected president on Jan. 14.

“Next year will be a special year, because we are going to have a female president — a president who knows how to face the tasks at hand and solve them, who can eliminate unfairness and injustice in society,” she said at a rally in Tucheng District (土城), New Taipei City (新北市).

“Are you ready?” she asked more than 10,000 flag-waving supporters who braved the cold and rain — temperatures as low as 14oC — and collectively responded “Yes!”

2012 ELECTIONS: Watch group calls for spying probe

CONCERNS:：The allegations that the DPP’s presidential candidate has been spied on by government agencies should be investigated, an international group urged
By Chris Wang  /  Staff Reporter
Sun, Jan 01, 2012 - Page 1

An international election watchdog group yesterday expressed concerns about intelligence authorities’ reported monitoring of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in Taiwan’s presidential election and called for an immediate and independent investigation into the matter to ensure a fair election.

Reported spying on Tsai by the National Security Council (NSC), Taiwan’s top intelligence agency, and the Ministry of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation “could put Taiwan’s democracy and President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) integrity in jeopardy,” the vice chairman of the the International Committee for Fair Elections in Taiwan (ICFET), Wu Li-pei (吳澧培), told a press conference in Taipei.