ASSESSING TAIWAN's SECOND TRANSITION OF POWER:
A turning point in Taiwan's political development?

Formosa Betrayed: Examining the Effects of One-Party Dominance on Democratic Consolidation and the Democratic Progressive Party Political Strategy

Julia M. Famularo
Editor-in-Chief (Georgetown Journal of International Affairs)
Research Affiliate (Project 2049 Institute)

Abstract
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) gained power on a platform advocating economic growth and an improvement in cross-Strait relations. Since that time, it has engaged in bilateral talks with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to reduce tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Observers in the United States and the international community have applauded moves towards increased dialogue and stability. The Ma Ying-jeou administration has also entered into negotiations to conclude an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with its counterparts in Beijing.

However, in the months following the dramatic KMT legislative and presidential electoral victories, some domestic and international observers argue that they have witnessed a dramatic deterioration of citizen rights and freedoms. These critics of the Ma Ying-jeou Administration cite random and arbitrary arrests, a flawed judicial system, the curbing of media freedoms, a restrictive new parade law, and other civil rights violations to support their claims. In addition, they argue that the KMT has sacrificed Taiwan’s national dignity and sovereignty to appease the Chinese Government.  

The impact of the DPP electoral losses, combined with the shifting national priorities, policies, and tactics of the current KMT Administration, are already beginning to shape DPP political strategies and objectives. DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen is finding it necessary to place surmounting the current political maelstrom and launching a successful party strategy for the 2009 magistrate elections at the forefront of her agenda. While the DPP can potentially reemerge during the next few years as a viable force to check and balance the power of the state, it must engage in structural reorganization, reconnect with its grassroots supporters, rethink its media strategy, and present solid, pragmatic alternatives to present KMT policies. 

This paper will examine major shifts in Democratic Progressive Party political strategies and discuss how the party may attempt to stage a political comeback before the 2012 presidential elections. Likewise, it will explore how the recent unrest, accusations regarding perceived political and judicial abuses of power, and the ongoing CCP-KMT negotiations will affect the Democratic Progressive Party political strategy during the 2009 election campaign and beyond.

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