13-1-2024 (TAIPEI) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate William Lai has emerged as the front-runner, securing over 2 million votes and establishing a notable lead over his closest competitor, Hou Yu-ih, by approximately 5%. As of 4:54 pm, according to data from Taiwan’s EBC News, Lai’s vote tally stands at 2,000,699.
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih trails in second place with 1,755,557 votes, while People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je follows with 1,614,320 votes.
A detailed breakdown of the vote distribution across counties and cities, as of 4:42 pm, based on summaries from Taiwan’s SET News, reveals that DPP candidate William Lai leads in 10 regions, including Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. KMT’s candidate Hou Yu-ih is ahead in 9 areas, including Taipei and Taoyuan, while People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je leads in 3 regions, including Hsinchu and Kinmen.
William Lai’s surge past the one million vote mark by 4:35 pm, according to TVBS News, marked a significant milestone in the election. With 1,011,255 votes, Lai gained a substantial lead over KMT’s Hou Yu-ih (868,656 votes) and TPP’s Ko Wen-je (774,087 votes).
The intensified competition in this election has drawn considerable international attention, with observers closely monitoring the strategic implications amid the ongoing power struggle between the United States and China.
In a separate development adding to the day’s drama, the former Mayor of Kaohsiung and current President of the Control Yuan, Ms. Chen Chu, encountered an unsettling incident after casting her vote at Xinshang Elementary School. Confronted by an irate male voter hurling insults, Ms. Chen maintained composure, responding with a smile and words of thanks. Prompt intervention by Taiwanese police prevented any escalation.
As the nation eagerly awaits the final election results, the potential reshaping of Taiwan’s political landscape and its global implications are profound. The world watches closely as the dynamics between the United States and China cast a significant shadow over the democratic processes unfolding in the region.
