2008 Taiwanese presidential election

2008 Taiwanese presidential election
Office of the President, Republic of China · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Election name	2008 Taiwanese presidential election
Country	Taiwan
Type	presidential
Previous election	2004 Taiwanese presidential election
Next election	2012 Taiwanese presidential election

2008 Taiwanese presidential election was a significant event in the history of Taiwan, marking a shift in the country's political landscape. The election was held on March 22, 2008, and was contested by Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Frank Hsieh of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The campaign was closely watched by China, the United States, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan and South Korea. The election was also influenced by the Taiwan Strait crisis and the One-China policy.

Background

The 2008 Taiwanese presidential election was held against the backdrop of the 2004 Taiwanese presidential election and the 2005 Pan-Blue visits to mainland China. The Kuomintang (KMT) had been in opposition since 2000, when Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidency. The KMT had been working to rebuild its image and regain power, with Ma Ying-jeou emerging as a strong candidate. The DPP, on the other hand, was facing internal divisions and a decline in popularity, with Frank Hsieh chosen as its candidate. The election was also influenced by the Taiwan independence movement and the Chinese reunification efforts, with Hu Jintao and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) watching closely.

Candidates

The two main candidates in the election were Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Frank Hsieh of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Ma Ying-jeou was a former Mayor of Taipei and had a strong reputation for his Cross-Strait relations policies. Frank Hsieh, on the other hand, was a former Premier of Taiwan and had a strong background in Taiwanese politics. Other candidates included James Soong of the People First Party (PFP) and Hsu Hsin-liang of the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), who were both independent candidates. The candidates were endorsed by various parties, including the New Party and the Non-Partisan Solidarity Union.

Campaign

The campaign for the 2008 Taiwanese presidential election was marked by intense debates and rallies, with Ma Ying-jeou and Frank Hsieh engaging in a series of television debates. The campaign focused on issues such as Cross-Strait relations, Taiwanese economy, and social welfare. Ma Ying-jeou campaigned on a platform of economic growth and improved relations with China, while Frank Hsieh emphasized the importance of Taiwanese identity and independence. The campaign was also influenced by the 2008 Chinese milk scandal and the Sichuan earthquake, with both candidates responding to these events. The United States, Japan, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region were closely watching the campaign, with George W. Bush and Taro Aso commenting on the election.

Results

The results of the 2008 Taiwanese presidential election were announced on March 22, 2008, with Ma Ying-jeou winning the election with 58.45% of the vote. Frank Hsieh received 41.55% of the vote, while James Soong and Hsu Hsin-liang received minimal support. The election was marked by a high turnout, with over 76% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The results were recognized by the United States, China, and other countries, with Hu Jintao and George W. Bush congratulating Ma Ying-jeou on his victory. The election was also monitored by the European Union and the International Organization for Migration.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the 2008 Taiwanese presidential election saw Ma Ying-jeou sworn in as the President of Taiwan on May 20, 2008. Ma Ying-jeou's victory marked a significant shift in Taiwanese politics, with the Kuomintang (KMT) regaining power after eight years in opposition. The election also marked a new era in Cross-Strait relations, with Ma Ying-jeou pursuing a policy of rapprochement with China. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) faced a period of introspection and rebuilding, with Tsai Ing-wen emerging as a new leader. The election was also followed by the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition and the 2012 Taiwanese presidential election, with Ma Ying-jeou facing Tsai Ing-wen in a rematch. The United States, China, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region continued to watch Taiwanese politics closely, with Barack Obama and Xi Jinping commenting on the election's aftermath. Category: Elections in Taiwan