U.S. sees Taiwan elections as reflecting democracy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 Kyodo

The United States sees the island-wide local elections in Taiwan on Saturday as underlining the democracy there and expects the Taiwanese people to hold the elected leaders accountable for promoting cross-strait peace, the U.S. State Department said Monday.

''We certainly see in them a reflection of the strength and vitality of democracy in Taiwan,'' department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli told reporters.

While calling it ''too early to speak to what the implications of the elections are,'' Ereli said, ''I would say that we certainly hope and are confident that the people of Taiwan will continue to hold their elected leaders, from whatever party, accountable for promoting peace and stability across the strait in keeping with Taiwan's interests.''

In a speech last month in Kyoto during his visit to Japan, U.S. President George W. Bush upheld Taiwan as an example of progressing freedom and democracy, while urging Beijing to promote religious, political and social freedoms.

In the elections, Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party won a landslide victory against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, gaining 14 out of 23 county and city magistrate posts up for grabs -- an outcome seen as a no-confidence verdict against President Chen Shui-bian.

Ereli refused to comment on the election results and possible consequences such as a split within the ruling party.

''I would say that the progress and process of internal Taiwanese politics are something that we don't opine about,'' he said. ''It's a matter for the Taiwanese people to decide.''

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