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(March 22,
2008/ Taipei, Taiwan) Frank C.T. Hsieh conceded on election
night his defeat in the presidential election, promising he
would continue to defend Taiwan’s interests and work for
Taiwan’s democracy.
“The people
of Taiwan have used their ballots to make a choice,” said Hsieh,
after he and running mate Su Tseng-chang took the stage with
campaign staff and deeply bowed to supporters. “I accept the
results of this election and congratulate Mr. Ma Ying-jeou and
Mr. Vincent Siew.”
He expressed
his deepest gratitude to supporters and his sincere regret at
the DPP’s failure to meet people’s expectations, stressing that
“I should and am willing to assume the greatest responsibility.”
He said that in the spirit of “love and trust,” it was now time
to repair the divisions and heal the wounds in society that had
been generated by the election. Even more important, Hsieh
stressed, was to keep alive “the flames of democracy that our
predecessors have left for us.” He promised he would “continue
to protect Taiwan and to protect Taiwan’s democracy.”
“In no way
does my defeat signify a regression of Taiwan’s core identity,”
emphasized Hsieh. “I have lost, but democracy has not lost.”
Hsieh
thanked all staff and volunteers, and said he would not forget
the encouragement and warmth he received from supporters on
March 16, referring to the nationwide marches and rallies that
the DPP held throughout Taiwan to protect Taiwan’s democracy. He
expressed his deep “love of Taiwan, the land, and the nation.”
In closing,
Hsieh stressed once again that although he had lost the
election, “Taiwan did not lose,” and deeply bowed again to the
crowds. |
