Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in the pouring rain Sunday in the final protest push to recall Chen Shui-bian because of alleged family corruption and incompetence.

Most of the estimated 8,000 protesters wore yellow plastic rain ponchos or held umbrellas as they rallied in Taipei two days before the legislature is to vote on whether to hold a referendum to oust Chen. Some held flags that said, "Abian step down," referring to Chen by his nickname.

A protester holds a flag with the slogan "Bian, step down" during a rally in Taipei, June 25, 2006. [Reuters]

Such demonstrations have been held each weekend for the past month.

The opposition says Chen should resign with two years left in his second term because he can no longer function as the lead amid corruption allegations against his family.

Drawing thunderous applause from the crowd, Ma Ying-jeou, chairman of the opposition Nationalist Party, said people can no longer tolerate Chen's poor governance and his family's corruption.

"The president's power comes from the people," Ma said. "If the leader cannot gain trust and respect, the people can recall him."

Ma also urged ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers to support the recall vote and "turn their back on corruption and return to clean politics."

"Whatever Tuesday's vote result will be, we will mark a new page in our constitution by trampling on corruption," he said.

Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was arrested on May 24 over suspicions of insider trading.

Prosecutors are also investigating whether Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chen, was involved in illegal financial dealings linked to the takeover of a department store.

Chen on Sunday told 200 supporters in the southern city of Tainan, his hometown, that he was innocent. He said the recall campaign was part of the opposition's effort to overthrow him and grab power.

"It's a rugged road from authoritarianism to democracy," Chen said. "But I will be stronger and will not bow under pressure."

The ruling party and opposition planned to rally supporters on Tuesday for the legislature's vote.

At a rally on Saturday, Ma said parents in Taiwan's countryside began to use Chen to lecture their children. "You little monkey, you lie better than Abian," Ma quoted the parents as saying.

The ruling party said its chairman, Yu Shyi-kun, will be at the rally site on Tuesday to direct the crowd and prevent violence.