As Taiwan efficiently elected a brand new political chief yesterday, its consultant/Head of Mission in Nigeria, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, mentioned his nation is a shining instance of democracy in East Asia.
In his view, Taiwan's skill to take care of its democratic resilience serves as a supply of inspiration and proof of the enduring power of democracy.
“That is merely an echo of what Nigerian residents have achieved in West Africa as function fashions of democracy.
“Whereas the world is paying shut consideration to Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections, we, the folks of Taiwan, are specializing in the way to constantly vote properly and make sure the longevity of our treasured democratic system.
“Regardless of continued strain from China's totalitarian regime, we’re decided to defend our lifestyle and our democracy with an impartial judiciary and a free press.
“Furthermore, Taiwan's democratic resilience has been additional strengthened by its worldwide alliances and help. Regardless of dealing with diplomatic isolation, Taiwan has efficiently constructed shut ties with like-minded democracies corresponding to the USA, Japan, European, Latin American and different Asian nations.
“These alliances function a testomony to Taiwan's dedication and achievements in democratic governance,” he mentioned.
Liu defined that the wrestle for democratization in Nigeria and Taiwan has lasted many years and served as a transparent demonstration of presidency of the folks, by the folks, via common elections of presidents and parliamentarians.
To beat challenges that might hinder Taiwan's democracy and hamper its quest for improvement, the envoy mentioned it’s essential for folks and leaders to work collectively, each within the thoughts and within the coronary heart.
This cooperation, he mentioned, varieties the premise of a social contract that builds mutual belief, as supplied for in our respective constitutions, each now and sooner or later.
In accordance with him, authorities by the folks implies that political leaders should pay attention fastidiously to the voices of these they govern with the intention to formulate insurance policies tailor-made to the well-being of residents.
“Whereas perfection could elude any democracy, the collective knowledge of the folks, coupled with the willingness of political leaders to pay attention, can propel your complete nation and its communities towards optimistic progress,” he mentioned, including that residents have the proper and energy to freely select who their leaders are – as president or as parliamentarians.
His phrases: “Through the 32 years of substantive relationship between Nigeria and Taiwan, the 2 nations have witnessed and overcome challenges to democratic values and lifestyle, altering or changing our varied leaders each 4 years re-elect based on the structure. . These are the elemental values that Nigerian and Taiwanese residents maintain expensive in our society.
“Each 4 years, each nations zealously implement their constitutional rules by permitting residents to vote to elect their respective presidents and parliamentarians.
“Nigerian residents accomplished their voting rights in February 2023, and Taiwanese residents forged their votes on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
“This fairly frequent observe of Taiwan's democratic system shouldn’t be solely according to the rules enshrined in our Structure, but in addition displays the democratic course of we witnessed in Nigeria final yr.
Nevertheless, this yr's elections in Taiwan are of huge significance as they symbolize the collective voice of the Taiwanese folks in shaping the way forward for our nation.”
