President, DPP to face off in 2012 Taiwan elections

Taiwan: President, DPP head to face off in 2012 presidential election

Media release
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand

President Ma Ying-jeou won the ruling Kuomintang nomination for the 2012 presidential election after a unanimous vote of support from the party's Central Standing Committee.

"I will continue implementing reforms and remain committed to safeguarding Taiwan's dignity and improving the welfare of the people," Ma said April 27. "Changes are taking place and this process must not be interrupted."

Ma said under his administration, Taiwan has weathered the global financial crisis and a series of natural disasters. "Last year's 20 year-high growth, falling unemployment, improving cross-strait relations and expanding international space are key examples of my administration's effective policymaking," he added.

Ma, who doubles as KMT chairman, is seeking his second term in office. He will face opposition Democratic Progressive Party Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen, who clinched selection in a three-way telephone poll primary conducted April 25 to 26.

Tsai became Taiwan's first female presidential candidate after defeating former Premier Su Tseng-chang by a narrow margin of 1.35 percent, with former DPP Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang finishing a distant third.

"This nomination is a heavy responsibility that I cannot shoulder alone," Tsai said. "The advice and support of Su and Hsu will be integral in firming up my policy platform.

"I will do my utmost to make the DPP a true party of the people and win the presidential race," she said.

ENDS

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