President Ma Ying-jeou resigned from his position as chairman of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) on Wednesday. His resignation comes following a major loss in local elections last Saturday. The KMT only won 6 out of 22 cities and counties. It was the worst mid-term election defeat in the party’s history.
Ma apologized to his supporters and bowed for 10 seconds to display his sincerity. He said the party’s reforms have not lived up to the people’s expectations and apologized for disappointing the people.
"As we face a very difficult future, we cannot let ourselves be discouraged or in disarray," said Ma. "I hope the interim chairperson can organize the vote for a new chairperson soon. I hope the new chairperson can lead party members to unity and a new beginning so the people will give the Kuomintang another chance."
Vice President Wu Den-yih has been selected as interim party chairman. Party rules require that a new chairperson be elected within 3 months. The KMT party charter requires candidates for chairperson to have at least 3% of party members’ signatures and to have served on one of the party’s key central committees. Party members elect the chairperson by vote.