Tsai Ing-wen wins historic victory over her closest rival, Eric Chu
TAIPEI (Taiwan) – Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) becomes the first president of the island nation. Tsai takes over from President MaYing-Jeou, who had served eight years.
With more than half of the votes counted, the Democratic Progressive party (DPP) candidate, Tsai Ing-wen, had built an unassailable lead over her closest rival, the Nationalist (KMT) candidate, Eric Chu.
That is the biggest ever win for any president in Taiwan — the previous record was 58.45 per cent for current KMT president Ma Ying-jeou in 2008.
Eric Chu addressing tearful crowds at the party’s headquarters in Taipei and said, “I’m sorry… We’ve lost. The KMT has suffered an election defeat. We haven’t worked hard enough and we failed voters’ expectations.”
“Thank you for helping the DPP stand up again and for trusting us to govern this country,” Tsai said.
New president told, “We will put political polarization behind us and look forward to the arrival of a new era of politics in Taiwan.”
Ms Tsai, 59, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants independence from China.
In her victory speech, she vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China, adding Beijing must respect Taiwan’s democracy and both sides must ensure there are no provocations.
Tsai said after her victory, “We will put political polarization behind us and look forward to the arrival of an era of new politics in Taiwan.”
“The people expect a government that can lead this country into the next generation, a government that is steadfast in protecting this country’s sovereignty,” she added.
The DPP has promised a raft of stimulus measures, including five industrial and innovation hubs across the island, a shake-up of the education system, and efforts to boost tourism. The party also wants to encourage Taiwanese businesses that have invested in China to consider moving operations home.
“We will work towards maintaining the status quo for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in order to bring the greatest benefits to the Taiwanese people,” Tsai told a press conference after her victory. She said, “Both sides of the strait have a responsibility to find mutually acceptable means of interaction.”