As Taiwan successfully elected a new political leader yesterday, its Representative/Head of Mission in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu has said his country is a shining example of democracy in East Asia.
According to him, Taiwan’s ability to sustain its democratic resilience serves as an inspiration and a testament to the enduring power of democracy.
“This is simply an echo of what Nigerian citizens have achieved in West Africa as the role model of democracy.
“While the world pays close attention to Taiwan’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections, we, the people in Taiwan, are focusing on how to continuously vote wisely and ensure the longevity of our valuable democratic system.
“Despite ongoing pressure from the totalitarian Chinese regime, we are determined to defend our way of life and our democracy with an independent judiciary and the free press.
“Moreover, Taiwan’s democratic resilience has been further strengthened by its international alliances and support. Despite facing diplomatic isolation, Taiwan has successfully cultivated close ties with like-minded democracies such as the United States, Japan, European, Latin American and other Asian countries.
“These alliances serve as a testament to Taiwan’s commitment and achievements in democratic governance,” he said.
Liu explained that the struggle for democratisation in Nigeria and Taiwan has spanned decades, serving as a clear demonstration of a government of the people, by the people, through regular elections of Presidents and Parliamentarians.
To overcome challenges that may hinder Taiwan’s democracy and impede her quest for development, the envoy said it is crucial for people and leaders to collaborate, both in mind and heart.
This collaboration, he said, forms the basis of a social contract that builds mutual trust, as envisioned in our respective Constitutions, both now and in the future.
According to him, government by the people implies that political leaders must attentively heed the voices of those they govern, to formulate policies that are tailored to the welfare of the citizens.
“While perfection may elude any democracy, the collective wisdom of the people, coupled with the willingness of political leaders to listen, can propel the entire nation and its communities towards positive progress,” he said, adding that citizens have the right and power to freely choose who their leaders are – whether as President or parliamentarians.
His words: “For the 32 years of substantial relationship between Nigeria and Taiwan, the two countries have witnessed and have overcome challenges promoting democratic values and way of life, by changing or re-electing our various leaders through due course of Constitution every four years. These are the fundamental values that Nigerian and Taiwanese citizens hold dear in our society.
“Every four years, both nations diligently uphold their constitutional principles by having citizens cast the ballots to elect their respective President and parliamentarians.
“Nigerian citizens have fulfilled their rightful ballot casting February 2023, and Taiwan citizens cast their ballot on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
“This rather common practice of Taiwan democratic system aligns not just with the principles enshrined in our Constitution, but also mirroring the democratic process witnessed by us in Nigeria last year.
However, this year’s election in Taiwan holds immense importance as it symbolises the collective voice of the Taiwanese people in shaping the future of our country.”
