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(Taipei,
April 26, 2004) The Department of International Affairs of the
ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan announced
the sending of a mission prior to the Philippine National
Elections from May 5 to 8, 2004 in Manila.
This is part
of a program launched by DPP in 1988, which involves inviting
international observers to Taiwanese elections and in sending,
in turn, DPP officials and staff to other countries,
particularly to the United States and to its Asian neighbors.
The mission
will have meetings with Mr. Guillermo Luz, Secretary General of
the elections watchdog NAMFREL and head of the prestigious
Makati Business Club; Justice of the Court of Appeals and former
Elections Commissioner Teresita Dyliaco Flores; officials of the
Liberal Party of the Philippines including Governor Antonio
Gallardo and Director General Eleazar Quinto; and campaign
officials of the K-4 ruling coalition of President Arroyo and of
other candidates. It will also observe the rally of Manila Mayor
Lito Atienza, Executive Vice President of the Liberal Party.
“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
will be sending this mission to the Philippines,” the DPP
official statement declared. “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.” |
