Taiwan’s President Quits As Party Chair

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has resigned as head of the governing Democratic People’s Party, DPP after its poor showing in local elections.

The opposition Kuomintang, KMT won several major races on Saturday, including in the capital Taipei.

Report says the vote has drawn global attention as Taiwan becomes a bigger geopolitical flashpoint between China and the US.

President Tsai had framed the election as a vote for democracy amid rising tensions with China.

“The election results were not as expected… I should shoulder all the responsibility and I resign as DPP chairwoman immediately,” Ms. Tsai, said.

Meanwhile, the elections for local councils and city mayors theoretically have a domestic focus, covering issues such as crime. housing and social welfare, and those elected will not have a direct say on Taiwan’s policy regarding China.

However, Ms. Tsai and government officials urged voters to use the election to send a message about standing up for democracy, as Beijing increases pressure on the island.

The Chinese government sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, eventually, be part of the country.

While many Taiwanese people consider their self-ruled island with its own form of government and democratic system to be distinct.

Tensions reached a peak in August when Beijing staged huge military drills around Taiwan in a protest against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island.

BBC/CO