YDA in Taiwan

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:26:47 GMT

Report submitted by Luther Lowe (AR)

College Caucus Chair Luther Lowe recently spent a week in Taiwan to represent YDA in a program hosted by the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan. During the trip, YDA was represented as part of an international delegation to observe democratic processes and provide feedback. Other countries represented included Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Philippines.

The trip included visits to local campaign headquarters of city council candidates in the city of Taipei, as well as an opportunity to observe public rallies facilitated by the candidates and party. On December 9^th, the international delegation visited polling places in both Taipei (the capital city) and Kaohshiung (Taiwan’s 2^nd-largest port city located in the southern part of the island) where voting for each city’s mayor and city councilors were being held. On the final day, a delegate from each nation in attendance provided a presentation on their respective organizations.

Politics in Taiwan

Identity politics are at the root of highly charged partisanship, with the DPP seeking sovereign autonomy from Mainland China and the their opponents the KMT desiring a more status quo approach. Campaign strategies in Taiwan differ in many ways than what one would see in the United States. A strong emphasis is placed on visibility, and cities are saturated with colorful, flamboyant banners with photos of the candidate. Less emphasis is placed on capturing swing voters (as very few exist), and campaigns rely heavily on “rallying the base,” and it is not uncommon for candidates to participate in several partisan rallies per day.

Young Democrats: International

YDA in Taiwan