Taiwan elects pro-independence, first female president

Taiwan voters made history Saturday, electing pro-independence party candidate Tsai Ing-wen as the first female president of the country in a landslide victory.

In a speech following her win, Tsai, 59, of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said the election results showed “people want a government that is more transparent and accountable”

“I will rebuild the people’s trust in government and create a stable foundation for Taiwan’s future development,” she said at a news conference following the concession of her opponent, Eric Chu of the ruling Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT).

Several hours after polling closed, final election results showed Tsai received 56.1% of the popular vote to 31% for Chu. Results also showed her DPP party will take control of Taiwan’s parliament, the Legislative Yuan, for the first time in the country’s history.

Tsai's victory was widely expected. Voters have grown weary of a sluggish economy, which grew only 1% last year, and wages that have long been stagnant under the leadership of the KMT and outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou.

The result could also been seen as a referendum on Taiwan's relationship with its cross-strait neighbor China, which was strengthened significantly under Ma. The economic benefits of deeper integration with China never materialized for most ordinary citizens, and many voters, especially younger ones, have grown resistant to China exerting too much control over Taiwan. China still considers the island part of its territory and has never ruled out taking it back by force.

Taiwan's presidential election has China on edge

The United States congratulated Tsai on her victory and said it looked forward to working with all of Taiwan's leaders to advance common interests.

"We also congratulate the people on Taiwan for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system, which will now undergo another peaceful transition of power," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. "We share with the Taiwan people a profound interest in the continuation of cross-strait peace and stability."

In her victory speech, Tsai vowed to maintain the status quo with China.

“I have promised on many occasions that I will build a consistent, predictable and sustainable cross-strait relationship,” she said. “We will work towards maintaining the status quo for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in order to bring the greatest benefits and well-being to the Taiwanese people.”

However, Tsai also emphasized Taiwan’s autonomy and its democratic system. She has never expressed acceptance of the "1992 Consensus," a document that views Taiwan and China as one country. Moreover, her party platform includes a pro-independence plank.

“The result of today’s election showcases the will of the Taiwan people,” she said. “It is the shared result of Taiwan’s 23 million people that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a democratic country. Our democratic system, national identity and international space must be respected. Any form of suppression will harm the stability of cross-strait relations.”

In his concession speech given only a few hours after polls closed, Chu apologized to supporters and vowed that the KMT would become “a loyal opposition party.” He immediately resigned as chairman of the KMT.

While Tsai's victory didn't come as a surprise, her supporters were in an upbeat mood.

"I already knew what the result would be," said Zhang Hong Yun, 25, a chef. "This is the first time we've had a female president. So she'll bring a different perspective, different ideas. That's a good thing."

"I'm very happy with the results," said Soda Su, 40, a web designer. "Tsai Ing-wen will give Taiwan a stronger identity."

An unlikely political firestorm came on the eve of Saturday's election, sparked by a YouTube video from 16-year-old Taiwanese pop singer, Chou Tzuyu, of South Korean girl band Twice.

She had been criticized by pro-Chinese performs for holding Taiwan's flag in a TV appearance, and in the video she apologized. “There is only one China," she said. “I have always felt I am Chinese and I am proud of it.”

The apology angered many Taiwanese netizens, who felt she had been coerced into making it.