“Distance Between Taiwan and Democracy” Seminar

From implementing local autonomy, lifting martial law, conducting direct president elections, to experiencing three peaceful transfers of political tower, Taiwan’s democracy is not only a model for emerging countries but also a reason for great pride for the Taiwanese people.

However, in recent years, the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen has caused harm to Taiwan’s democracy. From the partisan nature of the newly-created “Transitional Justice Commission,” undermining the autonomy of independent agencies in the name of “combating fake news,” restricting the people’s free expression for the sake of “national security,” and blocking the lawfully elected president of National Taiwan University from taking office under the grounds of “procedural flaws.” Even the referendum, which is a hard-earned civil right, has been untied from nationwide elections.

While we cherish our democratic achievements, we realize that the Tsai administration has taken various actions to distance from Taiwan from democracy. In view of these trends, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation and Fair Winds Foundation are jointly organizing this seminar, in hopes of raising public awareness of Taiwan’s democratic regression, rejecting arbitrary rule, and protecting our democracy.