Taiwan's Opposition parties join forces for Presidential election
The Hindu
Taiwan’s two leading Opposition parties said on November 15 they would join forces for January’s Presidential election, but they have not decided which candidate will be at the top of the ticket. Kuomintang (KMT) the island’s leading pro-Beijing political group — and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) have been in discussion for weeks over an alliance, with two candidates tussling over who should run in the January 13 polls.
Taiwan's two leading Opposition parties said on November 15 they would join forces for January's Presidential election, but they have not decided which candidate will be at the top of the ticket.
Kuomintang (KMT) the island's leading pro-Beijing political group — and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) have been in discussion for weeks over an alliance, with two candidates tussling over who should run in the January 13 polls.
KMT's Hou Yu-ih has been polling neck-and-neck with TPP's Ko Wen-je, who has performed better than expected as a third-party candidate.
The two sides struck "a cooperation agreement, creating a new record in Taiwan's political history", KMT heavyweight and former President Ma Ying-jeou told reporters.
"This cooperation will enable mutual assistance between the two parties in future elections and other aspects, making it a very memorable day for both parties in Taiwan."
The parties agreed to have three experts, picked by Ma as well as both parties, evaluate polls conducted from November 7 to November 17, with the results of the leading candidate due to be announced on Saturday. Ko hailed the agreement as "a historic moment".
"Regardless of the outcome, and no matter who is the Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidate, we must work together hand in hand to ensure peace and stability in the Republic of China," said Hou, referring to Taiwan's official name.