Premier Cho Jung-tai has formally welcomed attendees to the 2024 General
Assembly of the Asian Election Authorities - which takes place in Taipei this
week.

The premier told delegates that democratic countries should share experiences
and information, in the face of authoritarian regimes trying to destroy
democracy and freedom of speech.

He added it was important to discuss not just the electoral process, but also
how to protect the culture of democracy and the legitimacy of elections as an
institution.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu also attended the opening ceremony and he told
delegates that Taiwan is "one of the most democratic countries in the world"
whose democratic transition has been called "a political miracle."

The event is being jointly sponsored by the Central Election Commission and
the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

Organizers say the event includes delegations from India, the Philippines,
South Korea, Mongolia, the Maldives and Indonesia, with Bangladesh and Nepal
participating virtually.