Taipei:Four decades after its founding under martial law, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pioneers recall the risks they took, the democratic changes they helped bring about, and the challenges facing the party today.
According to Focus Taiwan, the DPP was established on September 28, 1986, amidst decades of Kuomintang (KMT) authoritarian rule. The founding of the party took place at a meeting in Taipei‚¬„¢s Grand Hotel, originally convened to support "tangwai" candidates who were challenging the KMT in upcoming elections. During the meeting, a proposal to form a new political party was unexpectedly made, leading to shock and debate among attendees.
You Si-kun, who presided over the meeting, recalled the tense atmosphere, as attendees were asked to sign up as founding members amidst fears of arrest. The party's name was suggested by Frank Hsieh and was formally announced at a news conference later that day. Hsieh, part of a secretive group planning the party's formation, recounted the relief felt when news of the DPP's establishment spread internationally.
The DPP's formation was a culmination of long-running efforts to create a political party, gaining momentum after the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident, which saw the arrest of many "tangwai" figures. Despite the risks, plans were kept secret even from family members, with founders preparing for possible arrest.
The decision by the authorities not to arrest the founders has been interpreted by some as a tacit acceptance of the DPP's formation by then-President Chiang Ching-kuo. However, You disputed this notion, emphasizing the risk involved and the defiance of the party ban.
As Taiwan democratized, the DPP grew into a significant political force, achieving notable successes such as winning 12 local leadership posts in 1997 and securing the presidency in 2000, 2016, and 2024. DPP Legislator Ker Chien-ming highlighted the party's role in Taiwan's democratization and social reforms, stating that each step has been fiercely debated and impactful.
Despite its successes, the DPP faces new challenges, including governing without a legislative majority following the 2024 elections. Former Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang noted the need for the party to move beyond "ethnic-based ideology" and build a shared Taiwanese identity. Hsu also emphasized the importance of understanding Taiwan's constitutional system and effectively communicating political issues to the public.
For the DPP, founded in defiance of authoritarian rule, the current test lies not in its democratic legacy but in its ability to govern effectively and address Taiwan's present political challenges.
