Lien Chan risks being seen as just a sore loser
Taiwan's opposition leader Lien Chan appeared a sympathetic figure when, as defeat loomed in Saturday's election, he made an emotional speech refusing to accept the result. But in the days which have followed, his claim to hold the moral high ground has gradually weakened.
In the immediate aftermath of the election there were many questions to be answered. Allegations were made of various irregularities in the voting procedures. And President Chen Shui-bian stood accused of faking Friday's assassination attempt in a late bid to swing the electorate behind him. These doubts, combined with Mr Chen's wafer-thin winning margin, clearly justified a recount. Calls made by the Kuomintang leader for such a step to be taken were reasonable. Indeed, a recount is essential if the tension which has gripped Taiwan since the weekend is to ease and the uncertainty end.
A significant step towards this outcome was taken on Tuesday, when Mr Chen agreed that a recount should take place. His plan to achieve this by means of new, retroactive legislation, however, was not ideal and did not meet with approval from his political rivals. To make matters worse, a fistfight broke out in the legislature when the proposal was being discussed. Emotions were obviously running high and, in such circumstances, progress seemed unlikely.
However, the undignified scrap between lawmakers seemed to focus minds on the need to find a more constructive approach. Negotiations took place between representatives of the rival parties and, amazingly, an agreement was reached. The deal paved the way for lawmakers to consider proposed recount legislation tomorrow. The recount itself could be held as early as next week.
This was the point at which Mr Lien intervened. He rejected the deal struck by his representatives and insisted on a different approach. There is some inconsistency in his position. The KMT chief wants the president to use emergency powers to hold an immediate recount, a step he knows Mr Chen is most reluctant to take for a variety of reasons. The advantage of this method, says Mr Lien, is that it would avoid delay. But his alternative position is a recount sanctioned by the courts - and this could take six months.
His refusal to accept a compromise creates the impression Mr Lien is not seeking a just outcome; rather, he is determined to block any process which might swiftly confirm his rival as the winner of the election. He is beginning to look like a candidate who is simply not prepared to accept defeat. Prolonging the damaging impasse is not in Taiwan's interests. Mr Chen has promised to accept the result of the recount, if it is held. Mr Lien should bring himself to do the same.
Many doubts have been raised by the KMT about the legitimacy of the election. But little has been produced to back them up. Hard evidence is lacking. By contrast, independent reports on the election suggest the procedures were transparent, properly supervised and fairly conducted. Each party had representatives at the polling booths to observe what went on and individual ballot papers could be challenged. There is little to suggest the election was rigged.
Suspicions about the shooting of Mr Chen and his vice-president on the eve of the poll will probably linger, even if suspects are arrested. The president has at least made an effort to convince the public he was the victim of the attack, not the instigator. The police, for their part, have dismissed claims of a set-up.
Mr Lien insisted on a recount. He should now allow it to take place - and abide by the result. A failure to do so could harm the long-term interests of his party, and those of Taiwan.
