ABSTRACT
Local Kuomintang (KMT) leaders had already made such calls and had even tried to appeal to the voters by distinguishing differences between themselves and the party or other party candidates. Indeed, by 1983, elections in Taiwan had become a focus of political debate. The KMT realized that allowing local elections to carry-on with little interference was a good way of deflecting criticism of the party at the national level. Party appointments, delegation of responsibility, and electoral success had given the KMT a new look, though aspects of the old regime continued to haunt the Kuomintang. Institutionalized violence and extra-legal methods of handling political opposition continued despite the fact that most KMT leaders opposed such tactics. Unfurling the banner of democratization, Tang-wai leaders attempted to focus attention on the KMT’s continued monopoly of power. Demonstrations became commonplace, speeches included subject matter that was considered illegal such as Taiwan independence.
