How the presidential election in Taiwan is shaping up
Taiwan is preparing for its upcoming January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections, which are held every four years. These elections will decide the future leadership and, more crucially, the country's position on its relations with China.
LAI CHING-TE (William Lai) - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
Lai Ching-Te, commonly known as William Lai, represents the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and currently serves as Taiwan's vice president while also holding the position of DPP chairman. His consistent leadership in opinion polls signifies a strong presence in the race.
Lai and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen have consistently extended offers for dialogue with China, seeking to ease tensions. However, their overtures have been met with rejection by Beijing, which considers them separatists. Both Lai and Tsai assert that Taiwan's future should be determined by its people.
HOU YU-IH - Kuomintang (KMT)
Hou Yu-Ih is the presidential candidate from Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT). The KMT relocated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists. Hou currently serves as the mayor of New Taipei, a city neighbouring Taiwan's capital, Taipei. He was re-elected last year in a resounding victory, although he has generally held the third position in recent presidential election opinion polls.
The KMT has traditionally leaned towards fostering close ties with China, but it vehemently denies being pro-Beijing. Hou has indicated his intent to reinitiate talks with Beijing.
KO WEN-JE - Taiwan People's Party
Ko Wen-Je, a former mayor of Taipei, represents the small Taiwan People's Party. While some polls show him rapidly closing the gap with Lai, most have positioned him in second place.
Ko advocates for a new framework for engagement between China and Taiwan, suggesting that Beijing needs to clarify its offers and intentions in the relationship.
TERRY GOU - Independent:
Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, a major Apple supplier (although he no longer manages the company), is running as an independent candidate. His polling numbers are relatively low.
Gou has accused the ruling DPP of pursuing policies that have brought Taiwan to the brink of war with China due to its perceived hostility. He claims that his extensive business and personal contacts in China and the United States uniquely position him to maintain peace in the region.
