TAIPEI -- On Saturday, the Republic of China will hold its second direct election for the presidency and the vice presidency. Throughout Chinese history, the concept of popular sovereignty has never been so strong as it is now. Therefore, this election will surely demonstrate to the international community that Taiwan's democracy has reached an unprecedented level of maturity.
In an intense competitive atmosphere, three of the five candidates have attained near equal levels of popular support. Although there has been a certain degree of negative campaigning and personal attacks, which is inconsistent with traditional Chinese comportment, each candidate has concentrated his efforts to impress the public with career accomplishments, popular image, academic credentials, experience, moral character and integrity.
In this three-way split, it is likely that no candidate will win a majority of the votes, and the newly elected president may be required to compromise on future policy decisions, bringing to an end five decades of strong presidential leadership.