TAIPEI (XFN-ASIA) - Opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou stormed to victory in
Taiwan's presidential election with an unassailable lead in the vote count,
television stations reported.
With more than 90 pct of votes counted, Ma had a massive 17-point lead over
Frank Hsieh of the pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
Jubilant supports of Ma's Kuomintang party cheered and partied at KMT
headquarters in the capital Taipei and other cities across Taiwan.
Ma 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, and which were marked by recurring
tensions with China over his pro-independence policies.
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