Democratic Progressive - Definition and Overview

Democratic Progressive Party Emblem

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (Chinese: 民主進步黨; abbrev. 民進黨, pinyin: mín jìn dăng) is a liberal political party in the Republic of China on Taiwan which has traditionally been associated with the pan-green coalition and Taiwan independence although it has moderated its stance as it has gained power. It was founded in September 28, 1986 as part of the Tangwai movement, but was technically illegal until 1991.

The party is composed of a number of factions such as the New Tide faction, the Formosa faction, the Justice Alliance faction and Welfare State Alliance faction. The DPP is a member of Liberal International and a founding member of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. It represents Taiwan in the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation.

The National Congress selects, for two year terms, the 30 members of the Central Executive Committee and the 11 members of the Central Review Committee. The Central Executive Committee, in turn, chooses the 10 members of the Central Standing Committee.

Though the DPP is the single largest party in the Legislative Yuan, the Pan Blue alliance holds a slim majority.

List of Chairmen (by term):

1. Chiang Peng-chian
2. Yao Chia-wen
3. Huang Shin-cheih
4. Huang Shin-cheih
5. Hsu Hsin-liang
6. Shih Ming-te
7. Hsu Hsin-liang
8. Lin Yi-hsiung
9. Frank Hsieh
10. Frank Hsieh
11. Chen Shui-bian

See also

• Politics of Taiwan
• List of political parties in Taiwan
• Liberalism in Taiwan

External link

• Official web site (http://www.dpp.org.tw/)

</center>