Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (PDP) candidate William Lai (Lai Ching-te) won Taiwan's presidential election with 40.2% of the vote, according to the latest data released by the Central Election Commission (CEC). .
Since 96% of the tables were examined, Lai clearly outperforms the opposition candidates the Kuomintang (KMT), Hou Yu-ih (33.4%), and the Taiwan People's Party (PPT), Ko Wen-je (26.3%), who appeared publicly to acknowledge their defeat.
This result marks a unprecedented triumph in Taiwan's democratic historywhich will, for the first time, see the same party hold the presidency of the island for three consecutive terms.
However, the outcome in the Legislative Yuan (Parliament) is still unclear, although current trends suggest so None of the three major parties will achieve a majority on their own.
Tightening of relations with China
The choice of Lai, who describes himself as “Pragmatic Worker for Taiwan Independence” has previously predicted worsening relations with China, which views the island as a rebellious province.
Throughout the campaign, the next president promised Continuation of the policies of current President Tsai Ing-wento maintain peace in the Formosa Strait: increasing military capabilities, strengthening economic independence, strengthening relations with the world's leading democracies, and building principled leadership.
On that note, Lai does not consider it necessary to officially declare Taiwan's independenceon the grounds that the island already functions as a de facto independent country under the name Republic of China.