Local democratic elections were held in Taiwan in the 1950s. Open and competitive elections at the national level began in 1980. The first two-party election was held in 1986. Yet it is significant that it will constitute Taiwan's first-ever transfer of executive power by popular vote. Residents of Taiwan are intensely interested in the campaign.
Voters know the candidates and the issues.
Five candidates are in the race. Three are leading the other two by a wide margin. In alphabetical order, the first of the three frontrunners is Chen Shui-bian. He was born in the southern part of the island and excelled as a law student at Taiwan's best university. Chen rose in local politics to become a national legislator.