Lai Ching-te, pro-independence candidate from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, has officially won the election of the regional leader, securing 40.05% of the vote, the Taiwanese Central Election Commission said on Saturday after counting ballots from all polling stations.
Lai received the support of 5,586,019 voters, while Hou Yu-ih, a candidate of the main opposition Kuomintang party, received 4,671,021 votes or 33.49%, and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party secured 26.45% or 3,690,466 votes, the election commission added.
"I want to thank the people of Taiwan for writing a new chapter of our democracy. We have shown the world how we value democracy," Lai said earlier in his address to the voters.
He also thanked his opponents, adding that he had spoken to them on the phone and accepted congratulations.
Further, Lai highlighted he was committed to protecting the island from alleged threats and intimidation from mainland China.
"We are determined to protect Taiwan from China's continued threats and intimidation," Lai said during a press conference.
He also announced his intention to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and use dialogue instead of confrontation "to confidently continue exchanges and cooperation with China."
"If there is parity and dignity, Taiwan is keen to engage in dialogue and cooperation with China for the benefit of the peoples on both sides of the strait to create a peaceful and prosperous environment," the politician added.
Meanwhile, Hou Yu-ih, the candidate of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang party, conceded defeat in the island's general election and asked voters for forgiveness.
"I have disappointed everyone. I am here to express my deepest regret. Please, forgive me," Hou said in his address to the voters.
Earlier, Taiwanese media reported, citing vote counting data that Lai Ching-te was maintaining his leadership with 2.7 million of the votes received in his favor in the election. He is followed by Hou Yu-ih, the candidate from the main opposition Kuomintang party who advocates dialogue with mainland China, with 32.5% or 2.3 million of the votes, and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party, who favors dialogue with both Beijing and Washington, with 28.9% or 2.07 million of the votes, Taiwanese broadcaster Sanlih E-Television reported.
The polling stations on the island closed at 4 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT). Some 19.5 million people were eligible to vote. Taiwan's leader is elected by a simple majority of votes for a four-year term, without the possibility of a second round. The election winner is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 20, 2024.
Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949, but Beijing views the island as part of its sovereign territory. Taiwan's outgoing DPP-led administration has been largely perceived as pro-independence, chiefly due to its frequent contacts with US officials and international activism, which prompted Beijing to ramp up military drills in the Taiwan Strait in recent years.