After an historic race, according to voting results as of 9pm on January 11th 2020, it seems President Tsai will win a second presidential term. The DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) 民進黨 will likely hold onto power for another 4 years.
It was an epic battle between the incumbent and the presidential hopeful, Han Kuo-Yu. The pan-blue presidential candidate started his bid after holding position as Kaohsiung mayor for nearly one year.
Later the same day Ms Tsai secured just over 57% of the ballot for a record 8.2m votes. This was also a record turnout for Taiwan voters. She came in well ahead of her rival Han Kuo-yu.
Tsai and her rival, Han Kuo-yu represent different perspectives on the island’s future – Tsai opposing closer ties with China, and Han believing closer ties would bring economic benefits.
Ms. Tsai continues to tell China to abandon the threat of taking back the island by force, a common theme among DPP politicians. She said that day in a news conference: “Taiwan is showing the world how much we cherish our free democratic way of life and how much we cherish our nation.”
China continues to claim sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. A recurring message from China – It says Taiwan must eventually be reunited with China, by force if necessary.
