Opposition in Taiwan Gains in Vote

Taiwan’s main opposition party was the surprise winner in key local elections Saturday, putting the Nationalists on notice that their half a century in power may be nearing an end.

The Democratic Progressive Party won 12 of 23 contested mayoral and county executive posts and, for the first time, beat the Nationalists in the overall vote count.

DPP Chairman Hsu Hsin-liang declared a “mighty victory” for the 11-year-old party.

The Nationalists, who had held 16 of the contested offices, won eight, while independents captured three. Seven of the 10 most important races went to the opposition party, allowing it to govern 71.5% of Taiwan’s population of 21 million.

The Nationalists have governed Taiwan since 1949 and outlawed opposition for nearly four decades.