to contain the art of orderly resignation and transfer of power

to contain the art of orderly resignation and transfer of power

The peaceful transfer of power is the foundation stone that lays the foundation for democracy. From ancient Rome to the modern political arena, "orderly resignation" has been considered the essence of political wisdom. Just as the saying goes, "Gaining power is a moment, but letting it go becomes a subject of eternal evaluation," the method of transfer of power has become a measure of a society's political maturity.

The most notable instance of orderly resignation in ancient Rome was Lucius Quincius Kinkinatus. In 458 and 439 B.C., he held two dictatorships, but after 15 and 21 days, he returned to power and returned to the life of a farmer, respectively. Emperor Diocletian's voluntary abdication in 305 was also recorded as the first peaceful transfer of power in the Roman Empire.

The symbolic resignation of modern democracy is George Washington's choice. His decision, which he declared in a farewell speech on September 19, 1796, that he would not run for a third term and officially retired on March 4, 1797, became an unwritten rule of American politics until it was codified as the 22nd Amendment in 1951. His farewell speech, "The pillar of freedom stands on the tradition of the rule of law and transfer of power," continues to this day as a guideline for democracy.

In modern times, orderly exit has become more systematic. Spain's Juan Carlos I stepped down from the throne on June 19, 2014, while leading democratization after his accession on November 22, 1975. South Africa's Nelson Mandela served as a single-term president from May 10, 1994 to June 14, 1999, presenting a new political culture to the continent.

There are also notable examples of democratization in Asia. The end of the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines in February 1986 and the resignation of Suharto in Indonesia in May 1998 were peaceful changes of power. Taiwan, in particular, became an example of Asian democracy with four peaceful changes of power starting with the first ruling and opposition parties in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2024.

On the other hand, the failure of orderly resignation causes serious social chaos. The invasion of Congress by Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil on January 8, 2023, and the Capitol riot by Trump supporters in the United States on January 6, 2021 show the dangers of a political culture that does not accept defeat. This contrasts with Chile's Pinochet's 1988 decision to accept the referendum result and choose to resign peacefully.

The key to orderly resignation lies in three factors. First, it is a solid institutional mechanism. The legal basis for the transfer of power must be established. Second, it is a broad political agreement. The consent of the ruling and opposition parties and civil society is essential. Third, it is the leader's decision. Wisdom is required to choose the future of the community over individual glory.

The demand for transparency in the digital age and the growth of civil society require the establishment of a more systematic and honorable resignation culture. The way you put it down has become as important as the acquisition of power. Orderly resignation has now become a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of democracy.

"善政者，百姓安之；善教者，百姓化之"
(Good politics make the people at peace, and good teachings inspire the people.)
- 『貞觀政要』