Taiwan 3rd in Asia on The Economist's Democracy Index

Taiwan Living in Taiwan
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Taiwan placed as 32nd in the world, and 3rd in Asia in Democracy Index released by The Economist.
Japan rank 1st among the Asian nations, and is 20th overall and listed in the “Full democracies” category.
South Korea and Taiwan is 31st adn 32nd overall, and ranked in the “Flawed democracies” category.

Hong Kong is 78th and in the “Flawed” category, while Singapore is 84th and in the “Hybrid” category.
China is in 138th place of 167 (North Korea), and sorts under the “Authoritarian Regimes”.

What is interesting is that China get higher score in “Political Culture” than Taiwan - China 6,25 and Taiwan 5,63.

[quote]Democracy is more than the sum of its institutions. A democratic political culture is also crucial for the legitimacy, smooth functioning and ultimately the sustainability of democracy. A culture of passivity and apathy, an obedient and docile citizenry, are not consistent with democracy. The electoral process periodically divides the population into winners and losers. A successful democratic political culture implies that the losing parties and their supporters accept the judgment of the voters, and allow for the peaceful transfer of power.[/quote] (Bold by me)

Thanks to the blue camp, and their unwillingness to accept defeat, they have dragged Taiwan’s overall score down into the “Flawed” category.
Despite it all, Taiwan is one of the top nations in Asia.

Want to read more? Here is the link:
economist.com/media/pdf/DEMO … 007_v3.pdf

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That’s not too bad. I’m surprised Japan ranked 1st, but I guess they don’t include egalitarianism as a criteria.

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Well, who should be ahead of Japan in democracy in Asia?
Taiwan should/could have been 2nd if it was not for the unwillingness of the blues to accept defeat in the presidential election, and work together with DPP and President Chen for the betterment (is that a word?) of Taiwan.