TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is gearing up for its crucial presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13. Political parties are ramping up their campaigns to win over voters at this critical juncture.
Against this backdrop, the "Taiwan Goes to the Polls" roundtable, a joint effort by ICRT and TVBS World Taiwan, brought together scholars and media experts to analyze key elements of the electoral process.
During the discussion, journalist Fan Chifei raised doubts about the reliability of polling data. Speaking to TVBS, Fan questioned the credibility of polls, citing the House Effect and response biases. "It's just a number for me nowadays. It's not very credible, I'm afraid," she said, warning of potential errors as the election approaches.
Fan also addressed cross-strait relations, downplaying the Kuomintang's (KMT) war rhetoric and focusing on domestic issues like wage stagnation and affordable housing, which she believes are the main concerns for voters considering the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Highlighting the election's significance, Fan agreed with Nikkei Asia's description of it as "Asia's most consequential election of 2024." She stressed its importance in signaling Taiwan's stance on relations with China and the U.S., noting the election's international impact on the U.S., China, Japan, Korea, and other countries.
Fan emphasized character and trustworthiness as critical qualities in candidates, urging voters to prioritize their values when voting.
The panel also touched on Chinese disinformation campaigns, particularly during recent protests against potential Indian worker imports. Fan pointed out China's sophisticated disinformation tactics, aimed at influencing public perception in Taiwan.
Fan concluded with a call for Taiwanese media to play a responsible role in informing voters, highlighting Taiwan's significant political transition.