Taiwanese opposition claim victory in presidential elections
Voters are picking their president and also being asked on whether the territory should join the United Nations under its own name
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Saturday, 22, Mar 2008 12:09
The Taiwanese opposition Kuomintang National Party has claimed victory in presidential elections held in the territory today.
The party, led by Ma Ying-Jeo, claims it is leading rival Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Frank Hsieh by 17 points with over 90 per cent of the vote counted.
Voters were asked to nominate the successor to outgoing president Chen Shui-bian, whose hard line against China resulted in a worsening of relations with the mainland, as well as vote in two referendums on whether Taiwan should join the United Nations under its own name.
China claims that Taiwan is a part of its territory and has warned of using military force if the island seeks to become independent. The US has criticised the vote saying that it would cause unnecessary tension.
Both Mr Ying-Jeo and Mr Hsieh have advocated closer ties with China but the former has called for the establishment of a common market with the mainland.
The elections come as China cracks down on independence protestors in Tibet. State media have announced the arrest of 24 protesters and has published a wanted list of suspects deemed to be involved in the riots.
China has also admitted to the deaths of 19 people during efforts to halt the demonstrations against its rule of Tibet.