There are at least 9 overseas groups and about 400 foreign reporters in Taiwan to watch or report on the election.
The foreign ministry said on Tuesday these groups include foreign academics, congressional groups and NGOs. A total of 390 foreign reporters have registered to report on the election.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Eleanor Wang says these groups are here for the purpose of reporting and exchanges.
"Our country is already an established democratic nation. Our elections are run in an open and fair manner," said Wang. "These “observer groups” are categorized here as reporters. They are here to observe and have exchanges. It’s different than in the past where groups came to monitor."
Japan has sent the most reporters followed by the European Union and the US. The 390 who have registered to cover the election do not include reporters from China, Hong Kong and Macau. There are an estimated 600 reporters from abroad and China here to cover the presidential election. Taiwan holds its presidential and legislative elections on Saturday, January 16.