Radio Tiwan Internatioal
Date: 2017-09-23

A number of current and former officials are set to speak at a two-day academic conference celebrating Taiwanese democracy.

The event is being held by the Taiwan Research Fund at the National Central Library. It looks back at Taiwan’s democracy since the first direct presidential election was held in 1996. To date, Taiwan has held six direct elections for president. The presidency has transferred between political parties three times.

Speakers at the event, which begins Saturday, include several former premiers. Meanwhile, the acting mayors of Taipei and Taichung are set to be among the hosts. However, one of the key figures set to speak, former President Lee Teng-hui, has cancelled his appearance due to illness. Lee was president from 1988 to 2000, and was the victor of the first direct election in 1996.

The National Central Library says that 700 people have signed up to hear the talks.
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