MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (center) takes part in an international media event on Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections Jan. 9 in Taipei City. (Staff photo/Chen Mei-ling)
 

An international media event on Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections was hosted by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Jan. 9 in Taipei City.
 
With the seventh direct presidential election taking place Jan. 11, it is important journalists from home and abroad witness how the people cast their ballots to consolidate Taiwan’s democratic system and make the country a beacon of hope, Wu said.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 210 locally based foreign correspondents and reporters from abroad representing 100 media outlets are in Taiwan for the elections.
 
Wu said Taiwan is working to move its economy toward innovation and renewable energy transformation. The country is also investing more on developing indigenous defense capabilities to meet growing security challenges while fulfilling its responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and stability, he added.
 
As a force for good in the world, Wu said, Taiwan continues to make meaningful contributions to the global community through cooperating closely with allies and like-minded partners such as Japan and the U.S.
 
Regardless of how the elections turn out, Taiwan will continue to stand tall, Wu said, adding that the people will always be proud of the country’s vibrant and resilient democracy, freedom and way of life.
 
The presidential and vice presidential race pits incumbent Tsai Ing-wen and her running mate Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party against Han Kuo-yu and Chang San-cheng of the main opposition Kuomintang. They are joined on the ballot by James Soong and Sandra Yu of the opposition People First Party.
 
Tsai is the first woman to win the country’s highest office, claiming 56.12 percent of ballots in 2016 when voter turnout was 66.27 percent.
 
A total of 647 candidates will contest the Legislature’s 113 seats. Four years ago, the DPP won 68 to hold a majority for first time, followed by the KMT, 35; New Power Party, five; PFP, three; Non-Partisan Solidarity Union, one; and independent, one. (SFC-E)