The ruling Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Eric Chu, has conceded defeat in Taiwan’s presidential election. Chu bowed three times in front of supporters at his campaign headquarters at 7:00 pm, Saturday night.
Chu congratulated his rival, DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen, in winning the race. Chu said Tsai’s victory was the choice of the Taiwanese people.
Calling his defeat the biggest setback, Chu said he had disappointed his supporters. He also stepped down as KMT Chairman to shoulder responsibility for the election defeat.
Chu promised to engage in soul-searching, and assured the public that the KMT will do a good job of monitoring the DPP government in the future.
Chu took over the reins of the KMT from his predecessor, current President Ma Ying-jeou, about a year ago, after the party suffered a humiliating defeat in the mayoral and municipal elections of November, 2014. He will continue on in his post as mayor of New Taipei City, which is the most populous city in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, People First Party (PFP) candidate James Soong also conceded defeat on Saturday. He praised the Taiwanese people’s democratic qualities and congratulated President-elect Tsai Ing-wen on her victory.