For a plebiscite to work, political parties and social groups must encourage experts with different opinions to submit alternative plans so that the public can make an informed choice. This would help the people to consider the social and environmental price that Taiwan has paid for rapid development. Launching a plebiscite would increase the legitimacy of public projects, something that was nonexistent in the past. Opposition to plebiscites based on an unsubstantiated faith in expert opinion is also untenable. Experts, driven by a belief in their professional knowledge, often cover up their own shortcomings.
Democracy is about popular political participation.
Experts need not fear the power of the public. As long as the public is able to understand the views of experts, they should be allowed to partake in a decision that will affect Taiwan for hundreds of years. Wu Jieh-min is an assistant professor of sociology at National Tsing Hua University. This story has been viewed 513 times. The Taipei Times.