Taiwan's crucial presidential and parliamentary elections have come to a close, with millions of citizens voting for their next leader and lawmakers. The votes are currently being counted in a transparent and meticulous manner, with each vote held up for public scrutiny before being tallied. The election results are expected to be announced later in the evening, and this outcome holds immense significance not only for Taiwan but also for the international community, especially China.
There are three key candidates competing for the presidency, each with distinct visions for the future of Taiwan. Lai Ching-de, the vice president and chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), advocates for maintaining the status quo and pursuing peace through strength. His party and views have been denounced by China as separatist.