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(May 19, 2008/ Taipei, Taiwan) The Democratic Progressive Party
of Taiwan (DPP) held its 12th chairperson elections on May 18,
2008, with Dr. Ing-wen
Tsai emerging as the winning candidate.
Chairman Frank Hsieh held a press conference after the election
with the two candidates,
Ing-wen Tsai and Koo Kwang-ming.
Chairman Hsieh announced that nearly 130,000 party members cast
their ballots, a voter turnout which exceeded 51%. He also
expressed the highest respect for Koo, who displayed a strong
sense of commitment to the party despite the fact that he was
already 82 years old. Chairman Hsieh said that as the election
had successfully concluded, the party must look towards the
future and rally around the new chairwoman.
Dr. Ing-wen Tsai
thanked Chairman Hsieh for making the
commitment to conduct a successful election. She also thanked Koo
Kwang-min and Trong Tsai, two of her competitors during the
election process, for their valuable advice. Trong Tsai dropped
out of the race prior to the election.
Tsai said that although there were disagreements among the
candidates, they left no wounds which would prevent the party
from coming together. She added that although the elections have
just ended, the party’s challenges are just beginning. On May
20, 2008,
DPP will become the largest
opposition party in Taiwan following the inauguration of Ma
Ying-jeou as president of Taiwan.
Dr. Ing-wen Tsai
stated that it is the responsibility of DPP to
protect Taiwan’s sovereignty, consolidate its democratic
institutions, and uphold the principles of social equality and
justice. She is confident that the DPP can regain the trust of
the people, revive its ideals, strengthen the skills of staff,
and deepen DPP’s grassroots support. Although the party is
currently in a difficult place, she is confident that DPP will
endure.
Additionally, Mr. Wang Tuoh has been appointed as the DPP
Secretary General and Dr. Lin Chen-wei as the new director of
the DPP Department of International Affairs. |
