Taiwan News
Editorial
Date: 2016-01-19
By: Taiwan News, Staff Writer

The Kuomintang’s crushing defeat on Saturday’s general elections was so

Editorial – The people have spoken

evident that it could only mean one thing – the people have spoken. It was a harsh reminder to politicians, or the KMT for that matter, that while the economy continued to stagnate with low pay, fewer job opportunities and unaffordable housing, the island’s populace has become so frustrated with its governance that they are longing for change.

The extent of Democratic Progressive Party’s gains surprised many observers, despite signs in recent months that support for President Ma Ying-jeou and his cohorts were flagging. After eight years of KMT rule, its ineptitude has again “helped” turn the tide of reign back to the opposing party.

In the end, the DPP won 68 legislative seats, up from the previous 40, while at-large seats it managed to secure 18, compared to 13 in 2012. The DPP’s leader and current president-elect, Tsai Ing-wen, described her party’s success in the polls as the best in its history – the DPP’s first-ever absolute majority in the legislature.     [FULL  STORY]