Taichung, Central Taiwan, Jan. 14 (CNA) Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Lin I-hsiung said here on Friday that DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian will not declare independence for Taiwan if he is elected.
Lin made the statement when meeting with Chen's supporters in Taichung.
Lin presided over a morning meeting of the Taichung chapter of the DPP election committee to evaluate the current election situation there, and then called on Chen's supporters in the afternoon.
Lin told DPP supporters that although Chen is likely to win the upcoming presidential election, the party should not be too optimistic about the campaign situation. "We (the DPP) should conduct the election drive with care," Lin said.
On independence for Taiwan, Lin stressed that Chen will not unilaterally declare independence, as the issue concerning the destiny of 2.2 million Taiwanese should be decided through a national referendum.
Candidates on a total of five tickets are vying for the seats of Republic of China president and vice president in the election on March 18.
The tickets are: Lien Chan and Vincent Siew for the ruling Kuomintang; Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu for the opposition DPP; Li Ao and an as-yet-unnamed running mate for the opposition New Party (NP); former Taiwan Governor James Soong and Chang Chao-hsiung as independents; and former DPP Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang and Chu Hui-liang as a second pair running independently. (by Edward Chen)
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