While tensions are at their height between the island and mainland China, 20 million voters are called to the polls in Taiwan on Saturday November 26 during local elections which represent a strategic election for the ruling party, firmly opposed to Chinese annexation.
With our correspondent in Taipei, Adrien Simore
” Protect Taiwan and Resist China is the slogan of the Democratic Progressive Party in the home stretch of this campaign. But in front of a polling station in the capital Taipei, Mr. Gao, 29, raises his eyebrows: “ For the presidential election, of course the question of the relationship with China is very important. But there, these are local elections, I am interested above all in the program of the candidates “.
According to the latest polls, the ruling party could suffer several strategic defeats, notably in Taipei where Jian Wan-an, candidate of the Kuomintang, the Chinese Nationalist Party, is the favourite. His more conciliatory positions towards China do not really worry Mr. Wu, 37: ” Jian Wan An is the most dynamic candidate, he is also the youngest. He also made promises regarding household help, you know, Taipei is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so that means a lot to me as a father “.
Not a referendum on China
But observers assure him, this vote is not a referendum on China, at a time when 95% of Taiwanese remain opposed to Chinese annexation. ” This does not mean that the Kuomintang will necessarily win the presidential and parliamentary elections in two years. But it’s still an important signal. », Analyzes Kristina Kironska, researcher at the European Institute of Asian Studies.
Since Nancy Pelosi’s August visit to the island, tensions are high between Beijing and Taipei. Communist China has engaged in unprecedented military maneuvers and increased its economic pressure on Taiwan, which it considers a rebel province.
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