Triumph of democracy

There is good reason to believe that the outcome owes a great deal to factors such as the people’s anger with the corruption of the Nationalist Party and the increasingly dictatorial behaviour of President Lee Teng-hui. The split in Nationalist ranks after Soong quit also played a part in Chen’s victory. Beijing’s unfamiliarity with democratic elections would account for it overlooking the full complexity behind voter choices. But the predominant reason for misjudging the situation was evidently Beijing’s hyper-sensitivity on the issue of Taiwanese independence. It is strange how Beijing convinced itself that its one-China policy would only be safe in the hands of the Nationalist Party which has grown into a $7 billion business empire and is known to have extensive links with organised crime.

Short of firing missiles over the Taiwan straits as it did during the island’s first-ever presidential elections a few years ago, Chinese leaders did everything they could to intimidate voters and deter them from backing Chen.

In the event, Beijing has ended up with egg on its face. It is probable some people were afraid to jeopardise their jobs and security and voted for the status quo. But a great number have learned not to let big brother next door meddle in their business. The achievement of Taiwanese democracy is that it has made people more confident. They will remain pragmatic and keep a wary eye on the mainland but they are not going to let Beijing dictate.