Topic: An Analysis on Issues Related to Taiwan's Democratic Development 
Lecturer:Prof. Chen Chunwen, Taiwan University 
Discussants:Prof. Chen Chunwen, Taiwan University;Discussants: Mr. Niu Zhongjun, Peking University;Prof. Xiao Yanzhong, Renmin University of China;Mrs. Guo Yan, Central Party School;Prof. Tiandaojunxion, Tokyo University 
 
 
In Professor Chen’s speech, he first analyzed the reasons behind the chaos of Taiwan’s current political situation. He listed six reasons: 1) nowadays governors do not have charisma any more and the power of governors is challenged. 2) Constitution is questioned rather than be respected. In western countries, constitution is an effective way to restrict power. However, it has become the tool in the battle of power. 3) Judicature is not strong enough in Taiwan. In Western countries’ standards, judicature is an important mechanism for social stability. The judicature in Taiwan is relatively independent and to some degree could realize this goal. However, in some cases, it is inconsistent. Sometimes it supports administrative power while in some other cases it goes against. 4) Other forces which are helpful for the development of democracy are weak in Taiwan. For instance, in western countries, the mass media is a monitor of governance. However, in Taiwan, it is controlled by different parties. 5) Although government plays a less important role in public affairs. The society, which is the counterpart of government in this area, has not played a much more important role either. So in this case, the current chaotic situation is unavoidable. 6) In the election in Taiwan, electorate could vote for several candidates rather than only one candidate. And it has some negative effects. For instance, the power of a certain organization will be intensified and finally control the election in that area, thus eroding the so called democracy. Then Professor Chen discussed the tendency of the development of the above-said situation. First, law-abiding man without charisma may become new center of power. It is an ideal change in the course of Taiwan’s democratic development. Second, currently it is not as easy as before to make some changes in constitution. So the esteem of constitution will be gradually built because people are not inclined to change it but rather abide it. Third, jurisdiction is not an institutional-level issue. And it is related to every lawyer’s conscience. Fourth, how to help mass media to play a much more independent role in the whole society has become more and more important. Fifth, in 2005 when Taiwan’s constitution is revised, some revisions are made to the election system. Therefore, the control of the government in this process will become stronger than before. However, all these changes involve different parties’ interests and there are certain many barriers in the whole course.