The Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan won successfully the March 20 presidential election. This result not only shows the Taiwanese strong desire for reform and faith in democracy, but it also grants the DPP once again a historical mission to government. Thus, we regard this triumph the biggest inspiration and encouragement for future challenges. Even still, the DPP will hold its belief to fight for justice and a prosperous future of Taiwan.

Since the county magistrate’s election of 1988, in order to pursue deeper U.S.-Taiwan understanding on Taiwan’s democratic politics and DPP policies, the DPP has invited a number of American representatives to visit Taiwan. This program has broadened in scope and the DPP has invited numerous representatives from different countries to observe all types of central elections around the world. Following the interests spurred by our international visitors, knowledge on the development of Taiwan’s democratic politics as well as the DPP’s international image has grown profoundly in influence.

A peaceful political party rotation in the year 2000 made our democratic experience an example of a burgeoning democratic country. To gratefully return the international community for their concern in Taiwan’s democracy and at the same time to examine our neighboring country’s significant election activities, the DPP would like to coordinate an election observation delegation to visit the Philippines prior to May 10.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as the candidate for the LAKAS-CMD party is also supported by the Liberal Party (LP), which is a member of CALD. Since our president, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, serves as Chairman of CALD, we would like to show our regards toward our neighboring country and support the development of our friends by coordinating a delegation to observe the presidential election.