Sometimes, politics in Taiwan can look like a big experiment; the remarkably quick transition from brutal dictatorship to open democracy leaves you scratching your head trying to understand how it all happened, and what will happen next. One problem that has risen recently is a serious case of ‘election burn out’: After a big election year in 2004 (Presidential elections and Legislative elections), 2005 has National Assembly elections in May, and then 3 separate elections (county commissioners and city mayors, county councilors, and village and township mayors) later in the year. 6 major elections in 2 years is a bit much by any standards, and with each election less important than the previous one, voter turnout is starting to become a big concern.

A common sense proposal to merge the 3 year-end elections is being talked about as one solution, but the best solution is for the National Assembly election:

In an effort to boost the voter turnout rate in the election, the CEC will hold a “lucky draw” for people who go to the polls. The top prize will be NT$1 million (US$31,556) in cash, while notebook computers will be given to three second prize winners.

Other prizes up for grabs include five digital cameras, eight mobile phones, 10 translation machines and 15 MP3 players.

Some people vote for politicians they admire. Some people vote for the party with the best policies. In Taiwan, it seems, people will vote for a new MP3 player.