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KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan: The young may sometimes be described as politically apathetic, but over in Taiwan where they are holding their fourth direct presidential election this Saturday, the youths are not about to just watch the polls from the sidelines.
24-year-old Zhang Ji-wei returned from his home for the past 12 years in New Zealand just to be a part of this.
Since November, the youth activist has spent every waking moment rallying youngsters to support the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in its southern stronghold, reaching out to them through internet forums and rallies.
"Taiwan must continue to have democracy. Just like my parents, they gave a lot for democracy. We must let the DPP continue to rule to ensure this freedom. Just as my parents worked hard for it, we the young must do something for Taiwan too," said Ji-wei.
But for now, it seems like the young people who want to see the pan-green stay in power may be in the minority.
Whether it is in Taipei or in southern Kaohsiung, the opposition party is drawing a sizeable number of young Taiwanese voters.
At this election, there will be some 1.2 million first-time voters aged 20 to 23. Opinion polls have showed that an overwhelming 60 to 70 percent of them are gunning for the Kuomintang (KMT).
But observers said it is not because they love the party or its presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou, they are simply voting for their future.
Professor Yu-ming Shaw, Advisor, National Policy Foundation, said: "They feel that under the KMT, there should be economic progress because they know how to handle the economy, and Ma's cross-strait policy is more peaceful and rational so there won't be war. If there's no war and the economy is good, there will be jobs. That's why more will vote for the blue camp."
One youth said: "Everyone hopes there can be more improvements to politics, the economy and education because we find it's not so good now."
"Hope he'll (Ma Ying-jeou) be a man of his word and help Taiwan," another added.
Whether it is for political ideals or their livelihood, it is the future these young Taiwanese are looking towards, and it is a future that some hope will be decided wisely at the ballot box.
- CNA/so
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