30th Anniversary of Direct Presidential Election: Scholars Discuss Democratic Challenges

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential election. Former Foreign Minister Tien Hung-mao pointed out today that former President Lee Teng-hui completed constitutional transformation through a 'Quiet Revolution,' but warned that Taiwan must guard against democratic backsliding and identity divisions. Japanese scholar Masahiro Wakabayashi stated that the direct presidential election symbolizes Taiwan's formal entry onto the historical stage as a political subject of 'democratic self-determination,' though it still faces political challenges from China and international uncertainty. The '30th Anniversary of Direct Presidential Election - 2026 Lee Teng-hui Memorial Academic Discussion,' hosted by the Academia Historica and the Lee Teng-hui Foundation, was held this morning. Reviewing Lee Teng-hui's democratization process, Tien noted that Taiwan completed constitutional transformation without bloodshed through an 'enlightened elite reform' model. However, he warned of challenges such as democratic backsliding, the rise of populism, and national identity divisions. Tien stated that the success of the reform was due to Lee Teng-hui's political courage and strategy, including appointing then-Chief of the General Staff Hau Pei-tsun as Premier to neutralize potential military coup risks. Citing political scientist Larry Diamond, Tien urged attention to global 'democratic backsliding.' He noted that AI, disinformation, and wealth inequality are eroding the middle class and impacting democratic stability. Masahiro Wakabayashi, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University, stated that the 1996 election meant Taiwan entered a 'new political ship,' representing not just democratization but the formation of a political community with agency. He pointed out that Taiwan remains in an 'incomplete' and 'uncertain' state regarding its national title and constitutional status. Wakabayashi noted that while China exerts pressure through cognitive warfare and united front tactics, this pressure inversely proves the existence of Taiwan as a nation-state. He emphasized that from a historical perspective, Taiwan is no longer just an object in cross-strait geopolitics but has formally stepped onto the historical stage as a political subject.