Lai Ching-te urges no complacency, calls for high democratic standards

As the election enters its final, high-stakes countdown, President Lai Ching-tse, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), issued a mobilization order today to all party officials and supporters. He emphasized that while the campaign has entered a critical final uphill climb, this is precisely the moment that demands the greatest endurance and focus. The team has "not yet won," he stressed, and therefore there must be no room for complacency. In the face of a volatile electoral landscape and potential political variables, Lai’s remarks served not only as a stabilizing force to bolster internal morale but also as an effort to establish a solid foundation for the final sprint through high standards of ethics and campaign messaging.

Amid the intense, close-quarters atmosphere of the final stretch, the emotions of supporters on all sides tend to run high, increasing the likelihood of conflicts and friction. Addressing the potential for anxiety or inflammatory rhetoric among grassroots supporters, Lai specifically called on all supporters to demonstrate a high level of democratic literacy. He urged them to respect differing opinions and political stances, avoiding mutual attacks. He reiterated that the DPP has consistently upheld the values of democracy, freedom, and openness throughout its history, and therefore, in this final phase, it must maintain principles of positive and transparent campaigning. The party should strive to win voter support through policy platforms and visions, rather than sinking into the quagmire of negative campaigning.

Looking back at major elections in Taiwan in recent years, the pre-election countdown has often been the period when false information, media storms, and partisan bickering are most intense. As the ruling party, the DPP faces not only robust oversight and criticism from the opposition but also the scrutiny of its governance record. Lai’s declaration that the party has "not won and cannot relax" carries significant political psychological weight. This stance serves a dual purpose: it prevents internal supporters from lowering their voter turnout due to a perceived polling lead or optimistic mood, which could result in the loss of critical votes; and it projects a posture of extreme caution, signaling to the public that the DPP will not become complacent but will continue to listen to public opinion.

From a broader political perspective, this election is not merely a contest for local offices or specific seats; it is a crucial vote of confidence for Taiwan at a pivotal moment in its complex geopolitical landscape and democratic transition. With Lai holding the dual roles of head of state and chairman of the ruling party, his every word and action influences voter confidence in the nation’s future direction. In this final sprint, his choice to champion a high-caliber, transparent campaign is not only intended to differentiate the DPP’s strategy from that of its opponents but also to rally the broadest possible base of support. This approach aims to mitigate social division and opposition caused by the election, ensuring that Taiwanese society can heal quickly and return to stable operations after the vote.

As election day approaches, the pressure and tension of the campaign have reached their peak. Lai’s remarks effectively constitute a final general mobilization order for grassroots party workers and supporters nationwide, demanding that they secure every possible vote while upholding democratic standards. This campaign, described as a final uphill climb, tests not only the candidates’ policy platforms and organizational mobilization capabilities but also the maturity and stability of the entire party under pressure. Taiwanese voters will soon make their choice, and every step on this uphill path will determine the trajectory of Taiwan’s future political landscape.

(Source: CNA)