Taiwan elections: Seeking the divine vote

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Taiwan elections: Seeking the divine vote

By Wei Yun

 

TAIPEI - In a recent melding of the pious, the political and the

pragmatic, the president of Taiwan's legislature, Wang Jin-pyng,

locked himself in a Buddhist temple near Kaohsiung for two days

during the Lunar New Year holiday. Wang, a key adviser to the

political opposition and a devout Buddhist, said the solitude and

meditation provided him with political inspiration for the March 20

election.

 

Taiwan elections always have their share of exotic, even bizarre - to

the outside observer - phenomena. But here religion - or at least its

outward forms of devotion - is an integral part of any successful

election campaign. And many voters believe the divinities do attend

to mortal political affairs and even reach down a helping hand to

worthy candidates. Many believe that because of the sanctified aura

of temples, politicians cannot tell lies once inside their doors.

 

In the presidential election on March 20, voters will decide between

President Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) -

he claims no religious affiliation - and Lien Chan of the Kuomintang

(KMT), a Buddhist. Incumbent Vice President Annette Lu is a Buddhist

and opposition vice-presidential candidate James Soong of the People

First Party (PFP) has not declared a religious affiliation. But all

of them court the gods.

 

Religion is often overlooked in outside reporting on Taiwan's

political process. Though the island is predominantly Buddhist,

various religious traditions and beliefs play an integral part in

daily life - more so during campaigns. Religious rituals often are

undertaken on political occasions, the auspicious timing and location

of which are all calculated to bring good luck.

 

When it comes to libel, slander and insult - far from unknown in the

political arena - shrines are the perfect place for defamed

candidates to behead a sacrificial rooster, praying to the divinities

to drive away even the most venomous slander. Though libel and insult

were far more common in early election campaigns, shrines continue to

be a prime destination for sacrificial offerings - pig, cow and lamb

being the three major animals for slaughter, followed by chicken and

fish. Many people believe that candidates cannot lie in the presence

of a god or goddess and, thus, the truth will out and lies will be

dispelled by divine intervention.

 

Religion and politics collide and collude

Thus, when religion collides with elections in Taiwan, a unique

culture evolves, one that affects political platforms and campaigns,

as well as parliamentary and presidential contenders. In an effort to

garner public support, political figures and election hopefuls will

get down on their knees in temples throughout the island regardless

of their religious persuasion.

 

During his initial election run in 2000, President Chen knelt down on

the ground for 20 minutes with his campaign aides to pray for

blessings from above. His prayers seemed to have been answered, and

this time around Chen's opponent, Lien Chan and other contenders are

paying obeisance.

 

The kowtow show during Chinese New Year on January 22 was an

illuminating example. During the holiday believers traditionally

flock to shrines, praying for better luck and fortune in the coming

year. Just two months prior to the poll, it was important to keep

attention focused on the election and both the opposition - known as

the pan-blues - and the governing party - known as the pan-greens -

worshipped in temples throughout the island, burning incense, humming

prayers and placing offerings.

 

On the first day of lunar year 2004 alone, Vice President Annette Lu

galloped through 11 temples, while her opposition rival James Soong

swept through four shrines from New Year's Eve until early the next

day. Their fervor was duly noted and reported.

 

Taiwan is a religious melting pot, including Buddhism and Taoism -

the dominant faiths - along with many imported religions, including

Islam and Christianity. Religious observances are important to all of

them. Even Falungong, a spiritual movement outlawed by Beijing as

an " evil cult " , finds fertile ground and tolerance in Taiwan, though

it hasn't fielded any candidates in this election.

 

Presbyterian Church, Buddhist groups influential

Religious groups can influence Taiwan politics. The Presbyterian

Church, for example, has a long missionary history in Taiwan, and

former president Lee Teng-hui is one of Taiwan's most prominent

Presbyterians. Still, even Lee - taught never to bow before false

gods - followed custom during his campaign, kowtowing in temples in

order to appeal to potential voters.

 

Other powerful Buddhist groups include Tsu Chi and Fo Guang Shan. Tsu

Chi provides many charitable and welfare services in Taiwan and Fo

Guang Shan - led by Hsin Yun, a prominent Buddhist leader - gathers

its strength and donations from the millions of followers worldwide.

 

Many politicians attend events sponsored by these groups. President

Chen, for example, agreed to halt the construction of a highway from

Kaohsiung city to Hua-lien city after he met the Tsu Chi leader, who

has long opposed the project because of potential environmental

damage. Although Chen eventually resumed highway construction after

other lobbying, the millions of Tsu Chi followers are still

considered an important political factor.

 

Regardless of their political decisions, all candidates receive

positive feedback and applause from religious disciples and common

worshippers when paying homage at shrines. When campaigns encounter

discord and antagonism, as they often do, most religious followers

put the political games aside in the holy sanctums, believing that

earthly strife is out of place.

 

According to Chinese myth, many of these deities once lived as

mortals and were given divine status because of their special virtues

or contributions. In fact, there are guardian deities for almost

every aspect of human life. The Chinese deities revered in Taiwan,

notably Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and Matsu, the Empress of

Heaven, all had their origins on the Chinese mainland.

 

Matsu is considered by many the most important deity to the Taiwanese

people. Because Taiwan is surrounded by the sea, it has been battered

by numerous typhoons. As a result, fishermen - who tend to pray to

gods and goddesses protecting their trade - have long been very keen

followers of Matsu.

 

Parliament chief once led pilgrims across the Strait

Yan Cing-biao, a member of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's

democratically elected parliament, and Speaker of the Taichung County

parliament, also is a pious follower of Matsu. He once led thousands

of pilgrims across the Taiwan Strait on a pilgrimage to the Matsu

Shrine on Meizhou Island, off the Chinese mainland's Fujian province.

He even turned to Matsu for mystic and occult directions as to which

candidate he should support in the 2000 presidential election.

 

Sometimes, however, political input from the gods is not always a

blessing and can jeopardize a politician's future. Frank Hsieh, ex-

chairman of the DPP, was criticized in 2002 when he sought

reappointment as mayor of Kaohsiung despite his suspected involvement

in a cult deception. Hsieh was attacked for his devotion to a cult,

which many critics said had been involved in sex orgies and tax

evasions. Hsieh insisted he believed in the cult leader, Soong Chih-

lik, who is now facing several lawsuits, including one on tax evasion

and sexual harassment.

 

As elections near, both the pan-blue and pan-green camps will

continue to give wide publicity and attention to the so-called

oracles auspicious to their own " destined " candidates, and it seems

the politicized religious fever will not subside until the moment

comes to vote. But as to whether it is the gods or the electorate

will choose the president, who knows? Consult the oracles, pray to

the gods or ask the stars.

 

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