Taiwan’s presidential election last Saturday marked an historic event with William Lai’s victory. Lai’s triumph for the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) made history as the first time a party had won a presidential third term since open elections were introduced. Lai won 40.1 percent of the popular vote, surpassing Kuomingtang’s (KMT) Hou Yu-ih with 33.5 percent and TPP’s Ko Wen-je with 26.5 percent.
A key factor in the result of the election was the first-time voters, constituting almost 6 percent of the voting population, as well as the presence of third candidate Ko Wen-je. While the DPP’s history as the original opposition to the KMT worked against it as seeing the establishment party, the issues regarding economics and political independence played a significant role in determining the final results. Additionally, there was a geographical divide in the vote, with urbanized Taiwan overwhelmingly supporting the DPP, while rural, mountainous Taiwan favored the KMT.
As the years pass, the KMT faces a diminishing support base and is confronted with its historical roots and ideals. The party’s attempt to downplay their historical stance on “One China” and a ham-fisted attack by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on President Lai redirected voters’ attention to the China issue. While a part of the younger generation sought an alternative party, they support an economically and politically free Taiwan.
The CCP initially denied the results of the election, claiming that the DPP cannot represent the mainstream public opinion of the island. They have also expressed dissatisfaction toward nations congratulating President-elect Lai on his victory. The CCP’s continued campaign of aggression towards Taiwan and other nations in the coming months is anticipated, especially leading up to President Lai’s inauguration in May.