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MILITARY REBUTS CHARGES OF INVOLVEMENT IN ELECTIONS

ROC Central News Agency

2005-11-28 21:45:45

    Taipei, Nov. 28 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) rebutted charges of military involvement in the electoral campaign for the upcoming "three-in-one" elections Monday, describing such allegations as an insult to the nation's armed forces.

    Hu Chen-pu, director of the MND's Political Warfare Department, said at a news conference that Defense Minister Lee Jye has ordered all military personnel to stay away from party activities and to refrain from interfering with electioneering affairs. "The minister has made it clear that anyone violating these rules will be dealt with in line with those in violation of important military directives," Hu noted.

    Hu's remarks came after some lawmakers claimed that the military has been involved in campaigning for the Dec. 3 elections for city mayors/county magistrates, city/county councilors and township/village chiefs. "Lawmakers should produce evidence to back their charges, otherwise, it is unfair to the military. In this democratic era, military officers and enlisted men are very independent-minded and it is unlikely for the military authorities to be able to sway their voting behavior or preferences," Hu said.

    With Taiwan's democratization, Hu said, the military has long distanced itself from politics. "Maintaining political neutrality is a merit of military modernization. We should treasure this hard-won achievement and never try to politicize the armed forces again. The military belongs to our nation, not to any specific political party. The military has no intention of getting involved in any election," he said.

    Speaking on the same occasion, MND spokesman Liu Chih-chien said the MND will reserve its right to bring litigation against those who have made unfounded allegations against the military.

    According to the military's combat preparedness regulations, Liu said, the military will maintain its normal routines and will not raise the level of combat readiness for the elections.

    Except for those who are on duty on election day, Liu said, all other military personnel can take the day off and exercise their voting right as they see fit.

    Liu further noted that the old practice of the MND renting buses to take military personnel home to vote is now in violation of the Public Officials Election and Recall Law. "The ministry will definitely not make such a move," he said.

    As to the number of military personnel who will remain in the barracks on election day, Liu said this is military information that cannot be disclosed. "What I can say is that there will be no additional personnel required to stay in the barracks because of the elections, " Liu added.

(By Sofia Wu)

ENDITEM/J