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Since 1946, Taiwan promoted local autonomy. From local to center; from small to large precinct and from authority to democracy, voters have become clever; they know whom they should choose and they are not blind or impulsive. However, the formation and development of local factions are still looking for electoral benefits and their own goals. They not only try to consolidate the advantages of their beloved party but also grab for political power. The elections have therefore caused conflicts between factions and changes in the power structure.
The traditional political battle in Miaoli County was mainly the fight between the Liu and the Huang. The political culture has always been based on “bribery”. Without money and support from a faction, no election can be won. The study found that even if the candidate was excellent, without money and power, he/she would not win an election. Because of interpersonal burdens, compensation for support has to be returned. Under this system, no clean elections can be carried out and politicians deprived the local residents of their welfare.
The county representatives are the most important representatives of the residents. This study analyzes the election background of the 13th to the 15th County representatives in Miaoli County and attempts to understand the relationship between local politics and elections. The conclusion is that the awakening of civil consciousness can impact the democratic system and a healthy civil society can then be built. The more wise residents we can cultivate, the more wise representatives can be chosen. The more efficient the system is, the more function the council can have. The council plays the role of supervision and balance in an administration and it helps democracy to rid itself of local faction control.
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