Taiwan 2002

		Democratic Electoral System
		President Chen took to the campaign trail in 2001 to urge voters to give his Democratic Progressive Party more support within the legislative Yuan. Electoral Systems Political Parties Democratic Progressive Party The Kuomintang New Party People First Party Taiwan Solidarity Union Elections First Direct Presidential Election Third National Assembly County Magistrates and City Mayors County and City Councilors and Township Magistrates The 1998 "Three-in-One" Elections 2000 Presidential Election The 2001 Elections for Legislative Yuan and County Magistrates and City Mayors Recalls and Referendums Charts, tables, and boxes: Central Election Commission Percentage of Votes Obtained in Major Elections Between 1997 and 2000 (except 1998 Legislative Yuan Members) Legislative Yuan Elections 2001 Election for County Magistrates and City Mayors
		Over the past 15 years, the Republic of China has moved rapidly toward full democracy. Elections for important posts in the government are held regularly, political parties have matured, and people actively participate in elections. ROC citizens now have a greater control over affairs of state than ever before. Taiwan's lively politics prove that the ROC's democratization has progressed considerably. In fact, more posts are filled by election in Taiwan than in many other democratic countries in the world, and there is usually election every year. Average turnout rates in ROC elections are around 70 percent of eligible voters, lower than in some European countries, but much higher than in the United States. Voting eligibility is defined broadly: the minimum voting age is 20, and there are no gender, property, or educational requirements. Voter registration is automatic. The government notifies citizens of an impending election and distributes a bulletin or gazette that identifies and describes all candidates and their platforms in their districts. Normally, voting is scheduled for Saturdays. A large number of election workers, typically teachers and other dedicated local citizens, administer paper ballots at convenient polling stations. The workers count the votes accurately and quickly, reporting the results just a few hours after the polls close. By any standard, election administration in Taiwan is honest and highly efficient. Copyright (C) July 2002, Government Information Office.   All rights reserved.   Site design by L.F. Lee Best viewed with Netscape 4.x or IE 5.x (medium font) at 800 x 600 True Color (32 bit) resolution