A Commentary Recall Election First Salvo for Direct Democracy

 A Commentary

Recall Election First Salvo for Direct Democracy

Source: China Times

15 December, 2017

      The recall election for New Power Party chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) would be held on 16^th December; a couple of days ago, the LY passed an amendment bill to the Plebiscite Act in the third reading which effectively lowers thresholds needed for a referendum.

That the two coincide is intriguing, for the development of politics in Taiwan could change as a result of these two phenomena. In fact, Taiwan’s democracy has become wayward, and if nothing is done to put it back on the right track, the nation is headed for failure. The use of direct democracy to correct the shortcomings of representative democracy is a plausible solution.

Take Huang’s recall election as an example: the one who pushed for lowering the thresholds needed to recall an elected official was, ironically, Huang himself. That the people of his constituency rallied for a recall election against him is of significance, as it is proof that a drive for a recall election can be independent of influences arising from the Green/Blue power struggle. It is the people who are the motivation behind this recall election – democracy need not be directed by a political party, as the average citizen can adopt practical actions in a practice of democracy.

If the recall election against Huang, which was induced by the people independently, could come to fruition, would not this act as a warning towards elected representatives who do not fulfill their duties of representing the voices of the people? One is inclined to believe that following this event, elected representatives who manipulate populism, adopt pork-barrel tactics and/or privileged politics, would be more mindful of restraining themselves. At the same time, when the thresholds for a referendum are lowered and power is in the hands of the people, there would come a day when an act forcibly passed by the tyranny of majority in the LY could be overturned. This is especially so for such acts that are only concerned with benefitting a particular political party while neglecting the welfare of the people. The Plebiscite Act, as amended, would have an impact on both the political parties and the legislative branch.

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