OPEN MIND 'Mr Chen's comments showed that he is not ruling out any options.' MR WANG HSING-CHING, a veteran political commentator, on Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian (above)

But the Taiwanese leader, who is no stranger to controversy, swiftly retracted his threat to declare martial law yesterday.

Still, his comments, made at a rally organised by his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) late on Sunday, have triggered a major uproar, even within the party, which is known for its condemnation of the 38-year martial law era under the former Kuomintang (KMT) government.

Mr Chen's remarks have also fuelled fears that the upcoming elections could prove to be highly contentious.

Without giving names, Mr Chen said on Sunday that 'some people' had suggested to him four ways to resolve the dispute over the voting arrangements.

The proposals include imposing martial law, postponing or annulling the outcome of the parliamentary elections and replacing election officials who refuse to abide by the central government's directive.

'These are serious suggestions, and I would consider them,' Mr Chen told supporters at the rally in Taipei county.

But in an abrupt about-turn yesterday, he denied considering the option of declaring martial law.

'I would not reimpose martial law during my term,' said the outgoing leader, who is due to step down in May next year.

The DPP and the KMT are locked in a bitter debate over how ballots should be distributed for the Jan 12 legislative polls and two referendums to be held on the same day.

The DPP has advocated a 'one-stage' voting system whereby all ballots would be handed out simultaneously to voters. Its proposal was recently endorsed by the Central Election Commission.

But the KMT, which controls 18 of Taiwan's 25 constituencies, has demanded that the ballots be issued separately.

The final arrangement adopted is also likely to apply to the crucial presidential polls and two more referendums to be held in March.

The DPP has insisted on having its way because the 'one-stage' system is likely to boost the voter turnout for the referendums.

Analysts say a strong turnout for the public votes could in turn enhance the DPP's electoral fortunes.

'The KMT is also concerned that the 'one-stage' voting mechanism could result in confusion and leave the door open for vote-rigging,' said veteran political commentator Wang Hsing-ching.

The opposition party is currently leading in both the legislative and presidential races, according to opinion polls.

That explains why Mr Chen, who has been at the forefront of the DPP election campaign, has threatened to resort to such drastic measures, observers say.

'Mr Chen's comments showed that he is not ruling out any options,' Mr Wang told The Straits Times.

While Mr Chen is barred from seeking re-election, observers say his personal fate is closely tied to the DPP's electoral fortunes.

The Taiwanese leader faces an impending corruption trial once he steps down from office. His wife is currently standing trial on similar charges.

If the KMT manages to wrest power from the DPP in the presidential election, Mr Chen is likely to be charged promptly after.

hwee@sph.com.sg