2012 Taiwan presidential election

2012 Taiwan presidential election
沁水湾 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Election name	2012 Taiwan presidential election
Country	Republic of China (Taiwan)
Type	presidential
Previous election	2008 Republic of China presidential election
Previous year	2008
Next election	2016 Republic of China presidential election
Next year	2016
Election date	January 14, 2012

2012 Taiwan presidential election The 2012 Taiwan presidential election was held on January 14, 2012, to elect the President and Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The contest featured nominees from the Kuomintang (KMT), the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the People First Party (PFP), and occurred against the backdrop of cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China, domestic debates over social policy, and regional economic integration efforts like the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement. Voter turnout and party dynamics influenced the trajectory of Taiwanese politics through the Ma Ying-jeou administration and into the later Tsai Ing-wen era.

Background

The election followed the 2008 inauguration of Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT), whose first term emphasized rapprochement with the People's Republic of China through mechanisms including the 2008 Taiwan Strait Flight Services Agreement and the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement. Taiwan's political environment involved competition among major parties such as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), and smaller parties like the People First Party (PFP) and the New Power Party (NPP), while civic movements including the Wild Strawberry Movement and student activism reflected societal debate. International actors including the United States, the European Union, and neighboring states like Japan and South Korea watched cross-strait developments closely, particularly after visits by figures such as Chen Shui-bian and statements by leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.

Candidates and Parties

The Kuomintang (KMT) nominated incumbent President Ma Ying-jeou with Vice Presidential running mate Wu Den-yih, representing continuity with policies toward the People's Republic of China and emphasis on economic ties exemplified by negotiations like the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) selected former Premier Frank Hsieh as its presidential candidate with running mate Su Tseng-chang, advocating different approaches to sovereignty issues and social welfare shaped by positions associated with leaders such as Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu. The People First Party (PFP) endorsed former legislator James Soong with running mate Huang Chih-hsiung, focusing on centrist positions and appealing to voters disaffected with the main parties; the PFP had roots in the Pan-Blue Coalition alongside the KMT. Other political actors included the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), smaller groups like the Green Party Taiwan, and independent figures such as Lin Pin-kuan. The election involved parties registered with the Central Election Commission (Taiwan) and engaged with media outlets including Taiwan Television (TTV), China Television (CTV), and Formosa Television (FTV).

Campaign and Issues

Campaign themes centered on relations with the People's Republic of China, economic policy including Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation, social policy debates over issues such as same-sex union recognition influenced by organizations like the Taiwan LGBT Community, and public concerns about transparency after scandals involving figures tied to the Republic of China Armed Forces procurement processes. Security topics referenced ties with the United States and arms procurement from suppliers like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, while trade and investment issues invoked institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the Asian Development Bank. Voter concerns over employment, housing, and the influence of business conglomerates like the Formosa Plastics Group and the Hon Hai Technology Group (also known as Foxconn) shaped public debate. Campaign events involved rallies at venues like the Taipei International Convention Center and interventions by civic groups including the Society of Wild Strawberries and labor unions such as the Chinese Federation of Labor.

Opinion Polling and Debates

Opinion polling by organizations like the Taiwan Indicators Survey Research and media polls from outlets including United Daily News, China Times, and Liberty Times tracked support for Ma Ying-jeou, Frank Hsieh, and James Soong across electoral districts such as Taipei City, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan City. Televised debates organized by broadcasters including Chinese Television System (CTS) and civic groups featured exchanges on cross-strait policy, economic strategy, and social issues, with moderators from institutions like the Academia Sinica and the National Taiwan University. Poll trends showed fluctuations after campaign events, endorsements from figures like Lien Chan and controversies involving municipal administrations such as Keelung City and Taoyuan City moving public sentiment.

Election Results

The Central Election Commission (Taiwan) certified the results showing incumbent Ma Ying-jeou elected to a second term, with running mate Wu Den-yih winning over competitors Frank Hsieh and James Soong. Geographic patterns revealed strong KMT performance in traditional Pan-Blue Coalition areas including New Taipei City and parts of Taoyuan City, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) retained support in Tainan City and Hualien County strongholds associated with pan-Green voters. Vote totals reflected mobilization efforts by party machines, campaign organizations, and grassroots activists, and turnout statistics were analyzed by scholars at institutions such as National Chengchi University and Soochow University.

Aftermath and Impact

The re-election of Ma Ying-jeou affected subsequent negotiations on cross-strait accords like the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement and influenced legislative dynamics in the Legislative Yuan, where KMT and DPP representation shaped policy outcomes. The election's outcome contributed to political developments that would later influence the rise of Tsai Ing-wen and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) victory in the 2016 Republic of China presidential election, while civil society responses led to movements including the Sunflower Student Movement in 2014. Internationally, reactions from the United States Department of State, the European Parliament, and governments in Japan and Australia reflected interest in Taiwan's democratic processes. Analyses by think tanks such as the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the Brookings Institution examined implications for Cross-Strait relations and regional stability in East Asia.

Category:Presidential elections in Taiwan Category:2012 elections in Asia Category:2012 in Taiwan