Jan 17, 2024

UNPO Congratulates Taiwan on Successful 2024 Elections


The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) extends its congratulations to Taiwan for successfully conducting democratic, free, and fair elections last weekend. Despite facing increasing challenges from external forces, the elections demonstrate once again the dedication of Taiwanese citizens to upholding democratic values, the rule or law, and human rights. Congratulations are extended to all voters and candidates who participated in this democratic process as well as those elected.

Taiwan's 2024 elections took place against a backdrop of heightened external interference, particularly from Beijing. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has, in recent years, escalated large-scale military drills around the island, using them as symbolic acts to exert increased pressure on Taiwan.  In addition to political and military pressure, at the same time, the PRC has a long history of employing various tactics in the realm of ‘information warfare’, especially around election times. Cyberwarfare, disinformation campaigns, and other influence operations have become prominent tools in the PRC's toolkit, with a noticeable surge in activity during this election cycle. Over the past decade, Taiwan is said to have become one of the largest recipients of foreign-created disinformation.

As Taiwan confronts these challenges, the resilience of its democracy becomes all the more evident, and the determination to safeguard the democratic principles of free and fair elections once again demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to self-determination and autonomy. In reinforcing the importance of preserving democratic processes from external interference, Lai Ching-te, the President-Elect of Taiwan, remarked after winning: “Through our actions, the Taiwanese people have successfully resisted efforts from external forces to influence our elections. We trust that only the people of Taiwan have the right to choose their President”. 

Indeed, in an era where democratic principles globally encounter challenges, Taiwan's electoral process serves as a positive illustration of a thriving democracy, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of democratic ideals in the face of evolving geopolitical complexities.

Consistently ranked high on global democracy indexes, especially in categories like electoral process, pluralism, and civil liberties, Taiwan has earned widespread recognition as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. The nation's commitment to these fundamental principles not only enhances its own democratic landscape but also serves as an inspiration for neighbouring countries and the international community at large.

As a founding member of the organization, Taiwan has played a pivotal role in supporting the struggle of unrepresented nations and peoples around the world. UNPO reaffirms its support for Taiwan - a country whose ambition is not only to protect its sovereignty and to obtain international recognition, but also to contribute to regional democratization - and looks forward to collaboration with its newly elected government.