Chen Shui-bian

But opposition lawmakers who hold a slim majority in the legislature quickly dismissed the proposal, saying it was unnecessary because the government could order an immediate recount without the legislation.

Challenger Lien Chan alleges that the election was marred by irregularities. He has suggested that a mysterious shooting that lightly wounded the incumbent one day before the polls may have been staged to gain sympathy votes that tipped the balance.

Taiwan's courts have said it could take up to six months to respond to Lien's demand for a recount and his attempt to nullify the election.

Chen's Democratic Progressive Party proposed an amendment to the presidential election law that would trigger a recount when a candidate wins by less than 1 percent of the votes. The party said the law could be applied retroactively to the March 20 election, and that it would call for a recount within seven days after the election.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 27, 2004
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