Taiwan’s incumbent president Ma Ying-jeou has sealed a second term in office after his ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party won the island’s presidential election.
“We’ve won,” a jubilant Ma, 61, told crowds of supporters gathered at his campaign headquarters in central Taipei, the capital, after vote counting showed him securing 51.6 per cent of the vote with 90 per cent of ballots tallied.
“In the next four years, ties with China will be more harmonious and there will be more mutual trust and the chance of conflict is slimmer.
“I will ensure a sustainable environment for peace for Taiwan.”
The honorary chairman of the party said that the victory was the result of a unified effort and “didn’t come easily”.
Al Jazeera’s Steve Chao, reporting from Taipei, said Ma benefited from the island’s strong economic showing in recent years, mostly due to its growing trade with China.
“He told supporters this victory is truly an indication that he is on the right track. He said he will continue to make history by pursuing closer ties with China,” Chao said.
Defeat conceded
Ma’s main challenger Tsai Ing-wen, a 55-year-old China-sceptic, conceded defeat after her disappointing showing and announced she would step down as chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
“We accept the Taiwan people’s decision and congratulate President Ma,”
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