The Economist Accuses Taiwan's Democracy of Being Held Hostage! Ong Ruo-chung Reveals Taiwan-UK Democracy Index Comparison: Who Has 7 Prime Ministers in 10 Years?

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Reform Party and a prominent Brexit figure, resigned from his parliamentary seat due to a political donation investigation and initiated a by-election. Notably, Jon Harvey, a British comedian known for his satirical political character 'Count Binface,' announced his candidacy. Harvey, who previously ran for London mayor as 'Count Binface,' is a 46-year-old comedy writer and TV scriptwriter. Ong Ruo-chung commented on this 'humorous' by-election, highlighting the serious issues facing UK democracy, and also responded to The Economist's article suggesting that Taiwan's democracy is being 'held hostage.'

Who is Count Binface? What makes UK politics unique? Ong cited foreign media reports that the UK's Clacton constituency will hold a by-election. Besides Farage's participation, the main focus is on 'Count Binface,' whose real name is Jon Harvey. The UK's parliamentary election threshold is relatively low, with a £500 deposit refundable if a candidate secures 5% of the vote. It's common to see both mainstream political figures and satirical candidates from fringe parties waiting for election results. Count Binface's satirical political image is clear; he uses absurdity to mock political donations and anti-establishment politics. Some voters consider voting for him not because they believe he can govern but to express dissatisfaction with the current political system.

Is Taiwan's democracy being held hostage? What did The Economist's article say? Meanwhile, Taiwan's legislative opposition is intensifying, with the national budget still not passed. The Economist recently published an article titled 'Taking Taiwan's Democracy Hostage,' stating that Taiwan's long-term political infighting has led to governance paralysis and erosion of democratic capital, with China potentially being the 'only winner.' Ong pointed out that while the UK has frequently changed prime ministers and faces long-term political distrust, UK journalists observing Taiwan's political conflicts conclude that Taiwan's democracy is being held hostage. This made him wonder, 'Before UK commentators point out Taiwan's democratic issues, have they seen their own new star, Count Binface?'

Where does Taiwan rank in the democracy index? Leading the UK as a 'full democracy' Ong also cited The Economist's EIU Democracy Index, noting that despite Taiwan being listed as a 'full democracy' and ranked 12th (higher than the UK's 17th), he wouldn't say 'UK democracy is being held hostage by absurd politicians.' Taiwan's democratic experience shows that democracy must accommodate different political expressions and respect diverse political traditions. The UK can have Count Binface, the U.S. can have populist elections, and Taiwan naturally can have intense political conflicts. Taiwanese people wouldn't say UK democracy is dysfunctional just because of Count Binface. 'If the UK's chaos is called democratic diversity, then Taiwan's conflicts are considered democratic hostage-taking, perhaps what truly needs examination isn't Taiwan's democracy but the UK's perspective on Taiwan's democracy.'