Taiwanese voted on Saturday for their next president and parliament, an election being closely monitored by China and the United States as they look for stability in the region at a time of political transition for both superpowers. Opinion polls suggest the presidential race will be tight. But a slight advantage is seen for incumbent Nationalist Ma Ying-jeou, 61, who has fostered warmer ties with China, over Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Voters queued up in orderly lines in Taipei and other cities islandwide after polls opened at 8 a.m. (0000 GMT). The sky was overcast in the capital but it was relatively balmy, underlining hopes for a high turnout.
“I feel calm and hopeful,” said Hwang Shiu-mei, a mother of three who was in line to vote at a booth in a Taipei market. “I hope we can see a win-win situation with China in the coming four years. We don’t want to see a stalemate and hope for a better economy, along with peace and stabilility.” Both main contestants were confident as they cast their vote early.
Full Article: Taiwan goes to the polls as China, U.S. look on | Reuters.