However, I must say that I am very happy to see that we have

The words of Chen Shui-bian, “However, I must say that I am very happy to see that we have such a positive result for our first referendum in our history and that gives me more confidence in Taiwan’s democracy,” resound like the voice of a people stepping into the light of self-determination. They speak not only of numbers tallied on ballots, but of a triumph of spirit—the moment when citizens, by their own hands, shape the destiny of their land. A referendum is more than a vote; it is the people themselves speaking as one, and in their voice lies the heartbeat of freedom.

The origin of these words lies in Taiwan’s long journey from oppression to self-rule. Once bound beneath the weight of authoritarian rule, the island endured years of silence where dissent was punished and choice was denied. Yet the will of the people did not vanish—it endured, waiting for the day when ballots would replace chains, and voices would no longer be whispers in the dark. Chen’s joy in the positive result is thus not just personal, but the echo of generations who yearned for this very moment.

Consider the story of the Athenians in ancient Greece, who first practiced democracy through direct vote. Though imperfect, their assemblies allowed citizens to take part in decisions that shaped their polis. Taiwan, in its own time, carried this ancient torch into the modern age, proving that democracy is not a relic of the past but a living flame. Just as the Athenians declared their right to govern themselves, so too did Taiwan’s people declare their right to speak and to decide.

Chen’s words also carry a heroic hope: that each step toward democracy strengthens the whole. A referendum, though a single act, becomes a seed for future growth. It teaches the people that their voices matter, and it teaches leaders that their power must come from consent, not coercion. In this way, each vote becomes not only a choice about policy, but a proclamation of dignity, freedom, and belonging.

The positive result Chen celebrates is therefore not only about agreement on a question, but about the success of democracy itself—that citizens engaged, participated, and affirmed their right to govern their future. Confidence in Taiwan’s democracy is born not in speeches or laws alone, but in the living action of the people, who show that they are ready to bear the responsibilities of freedom.

Let future generations remember: a referendum is more than parchment and ink; it is the voice of the people rising like a chorus, declaring that their destiny is their own. When such voices unite in a positive result, democracy itself grows stronger, and the spirit of freedom stands taller against the storms of history. For in every vote lies not only decision, but the promise of a brighter dawn.