The Party"s organizational structure closely resembles that of the Kuomintang. The party was established primarily by family members and defense lawyers of imprisoned dissidents, the DPP became the first political party to challenge the Kuomintang"s decades long grip on power. The DPP quickly support from ethnic Taiwanese frustrated by the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang, whose loyalists and leaders had fled from mainland China in 1949 following their army"s defense by the Chinese Communists. In its charter the DPP promotes holding a referendum on independence from China and opposes the Kuomintang"s "one China"s policy." DPP presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian has pledged, however, that if elected he will not declare independence for Taiwan unless China invades. The New Party was established in August 1993, shortly before the Kuomintang"s 14th National Congress, a group of KMT "Young Turks" including six legislative Yuan members and one former lawmaker broke away from the party to establish the New Party. The New Party differs from the KMT and the DPP in organizational structure, stressing the leadership of those holding public office. At the head of the party is the National Campaign and Development Committee. The convener of the committee, a position currently filled by Lee-Chian-hua, .

             serves as the leader of the party. In August 1999, the party took almost everyone by surprise by nominating the renowned writer Li Ao as its presidential candidate for the 2000 presidential election.

             Candidates Campaign Issues for Three Presidential: .

             Conventional wisdom holds that each of the three major presidential candidates enjoys certain notable advantages. Former Taiwan Governor James Soong is regarded as the most charismatic. Official Kuomingtang candidate Vice President Lien Chan is backed by his part"s awesome resources. Former Taipei Mayor Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party has a reputation for action and dynamism.