| Abstract | The last time Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang (KMT) held a party congress, which was four years ago, the occasion was marred by the walkout of a handful of the KMT's "young Turks." Suspicious of party chairman and Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui's commitment to reunification with China and disgusted by the rise of corruption, the rebels went on to launch the breakaway New Party. In August 1997, the Nationalists gathered for the party's 15th congress. Not surprisingly, Lee and his lieutenants worked overtime to stress solidarity. With legislative polls scheduled for 1998, KMT leaders are hoping that by putting on a unified front they can stem their party's eroding popularity. |
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