'Mr. Clean' wins re-election in Taiwan
ROC Central News Agency
2012/01/15 02:32:02
Taipei, Jan. 14 (CNA) Campaigning on a platform of peace, stability and clean government, incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) emerged as the winner in a keen presidential race, beating his main challenger Tsai Ing-wen by a comfortable margin.
Tsai, chairwoman of the major Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), garnered 45.6 percent of the vote against Ma's 51.6 percent.
Tsai campaign for a fair and just society failed to create enough momentum to unseat Ma, who is known in local political circles as "Mr. Clean."
Veteran politician James Soong of the minor opposition People First Party (PFP) finished a distant third with less than 3 percent of the 13.45 million votes cast. Voter turnout was 74.4 percent.
Adding to Ma's triumph was his party's win in the legislative election. KMT candidates secured 64 of the 113 seats, while the DPP won 40. The Taiwan Solidarity Union and the PFP each won three seats, the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union gained two, and the remaining one went to independents.
Analysts said that in spite of criticisms of the Ma administration's lackluster performance in creating jobs and narrowing the wealth gap, Ma successfully touted his record in improving Taiwan's relations with its ideological rival and major economic partner China.
Ma's peaceful approach to China, culminating in the signing of a landmark cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010, was in stark contrast to the DPP's denial of the so-called "1992 consensus," a tacit agreement on which both Beijing and Taipei have been advancing bilateral relations, analysts said.
A Chinese academic in Shanghai noted that the people of Taiwan chose the "status quo" and "stability" under Ma over Tsai's denial of the existence of the "1992 consensus" -- a position that would very likely have rocked cross-strait relations.
Ni Yongjie, deputy director of Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies, said the ECFA has benefited Taiwan's economy and the people voted for Ma even though they may not have felt the economic benefits of the pact.
"They prefer not to feel (economic benefits) than to feel pain," he said, referring to the possible disruption in cross-strait relations if Tsai was elected. In giving Ma a second term, they have opted for a better future, he said.
The election results were welcomed in Beijing, while Washington, Tokyo and other capital cities congratulated Ma on his victory.
The European Union also issued a statement saying it welcomed the successful re-election of the "Beijing-friendly leader," with which EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she hopes cross-strait ties will continue to improve.
The White House issued a statement congratulating Ma and the people of Taiwan on the peaceful conclusion of the elections that "again demonstrated the strength and vitality" of the island's democratic system.
"We are confident that Taiwan will build on its many accomplishments, and we will continue to work together to advance our common interests, including expanding trade and investment ties," the White House said.
In Beijing, the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council issued a statement promising to "work with Taiwan to create a peaceful cross-strait relationship" based on the "1992 consensus" -- a tacit agreement between Taipei and Beijing that allows them to set aside their political differences while working to improve trade and economic ties.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it appreciates the peace efforts made by Taiwan and China over the past few years, as they have both strived to set aside their differences and promote co- operation.
(By S.C. Chang)
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