Opposition candidate Ma Ying-Jeou surged to victory in Taiwan's presidential election today with an unassailable lead in the vote count, TV stations reported.
With more than 90 percent of votes counted, Ma Ying-Jeou had a massive 17-point lead over Frank Hsieh of the pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Jubilant supporters of Ma Ying-Jeou's Kuomintang (KMT) party cheered and whistled and partied at KMT headquarters in the capital Taipei and other cities across Taiwan.
Ma Ying-Jeou has pledged to work for closer ties with China, including a peace treaty to end decades of hostilities between Beijing and the self-ruled island.
His victory ends eight years of DPP presidency under Chen Shui-bian, who is stepping down after the maximum two terms, which were marked by recurring tensions with China over his pro-independence policies.
Ma Ying-Jeou's victory of Taiwan's presidential elections also gives the KMT overall control of the country after they crushed the DPP in parliamentary elections in January.
Over at DPP headquarters, meanwhile, there were tears among supporters and apologies from officials for the defeat.
Chen, the outgoing president, formally leaves office on May.
Source: DDNEWS
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