the flame of democracy

Research Motivation

During one of our classes, our teacher showed us the television series “The Wave-Makers.” The series depicted a group of key figures behind an election campaign, playing pivotal roles that influence the entire electoral process and outcome. This sparked our curiosity about how elections operate and the mechanisms behind them.
Coincidentally, it was around the time of the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan. This prompted us to delve deeper into understanding Taiwan’s electoral process. We decided to conduct a systematic study in conjunction with this election, aiming to comprehend the entire electoral process from start to finish. Through this opportunity, we hope to gain insights into Taiwan’s election culture, political system, and the roles and influences of the electorate.

Research Schedule

We typically hold discussions after class on Wednesdays.
We utilize weekend time to conduct more in-depth research.
Campaign activities during elections are highly intense.
We utilize the winter vacation to organize the collected data.

Research Objectives

Taiwan boasts a unique electoral culture, with significant elections held every four years filled with intense competition. Currently, nearly 100 political parties are engaged in political activities, with three major parties holding the majority of seats in the legislature. Elections not only signify competition but also represent the thoughts of the entire Taiwanese populace. We aim to understand Taiwan’s election culture and its operations. Coincidentally, Taiwan was in the midst of a presidential election during our research project. Therefore, we aligned our research with the election timeline to gain insights from the beginning to the conclusion of the election. Our goal is to delve deep into Taiwan’s election culture and operations and introduce its unique election culture to a wider audience.

Research Methodology

Before delving deep into understanding Taiwan’s electoral process and history, we searched various online resources and compiled relevant information.
After extensive research, we identified interviewees and site visits relevant to our research topic and scheduled interviews.
We visited the Legislative Yuan to understand the work of elected legislators and interviewed Legislator Hong to learn about his experience in election participation.
Finally, we compiled all collected data and created a website for public reference.

Wave Makers insights

Harry Wang: These Wave Makers episodes explore Taiwan’s political scene, showing how even small incidents can affect elections greatly. We see political factions debating, each with strengths and weaknesses, trying to get ahead. Even trivial things like a dog bite can spark attacks on candidates, leaving them confused. Public opinion on parties can sway easily, sometimes unfairly. But it’s important to remember politicians have many sides, and their past actions matter. While scandals can hurt their reputation, we should consider their overall impact. Also, the internet spreads rumors fast, making politics more unpredictable.

Dorina Kung: Through these episodes, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in Taiwan’s electoral process. Elections demand meticulous planning and effort behind the scenes, all for the brief moment of casting a vote. Politicians must navigate unforeseen events and combat the spread of fake news, sometimes at the expense of public satisfaction. Strategic decision-making becomes paramount as candidates vie for support and must carefully balance their actions with potential repercussions. Interviews with candidates could shed light on their motivations and the personal sacrifices they make during campaigns. Furthermore, these films prompt reflection on the principles of fairness and integrity in elections, urging further exploration into these fundamental concepts.

Justin Lin: These episodes offer valuable insights into Taiwan’s internal politics and the challenges surrounding elections. Politicians must constantly anticipate and address unexpected events, strategizing to minimize potential fallout. Balancing public sentiment while pursuing electoral success requires careful navigation, often resulting in difficult choices. Pre-election preparations aim to mitigate losses and secure victory, underscoring the strategic nature of political campaigns. Interviewing voters could provide a deeper understanding of their experiences and perceptions of fairness and integrity in the electoral process.

Chih-Yin Chang: Wave Makers serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifice exhibited by election officials. The extensive preparation behind the scenes reflects a deep commitment to serving the public and presenting a polished image. The series’ title, Wave Makers, encapsulates the aspiration to guide society towards a brighter future, even amidst the challenges of everyday life.

Ashley Chen: The trailer for Wave Makers offers a glimpse into the intense pressure and hard work endured by candidates and their teams during elections. It underscores the importance of resilience and teamwork in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The diversity of strategies employed highlights the dynamic nature of electoral campaigns.

Jennifer Kuo: Wave Makers provides a nuanced portrayal of election preparation and the complexities faced by political figures. It tackles sensitive issues while showcasing the grueling realities of campaigning. The film captures the multifaceted nature of politics, from rallies to strategic deliberations, highlighting the challenges inherent in the electoral process.

Oliver Yang: Reflecting on the Wave Makers trailer, it’s evident that teamwork and perseverance are essential elements of electoral success. The trailer showcases the resilience of election officials and their teams in overcoming challenges and devising winning strategies. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability and determination in navigating the twists and turns of electoral campaigns.