Frail Democracy for Taiwan
President Chen was re-elected by a fewer of 30,000 votes.
But the controversy surrounding Taiwan's elections continues: first it was the assassination attempt, then China flexed muscles during navy exercises with France (at least this time it didn't fire missiles in direction of the island), now a petition has been filed with a court in to examine the validity of the poll. Mr Lien, leader of the Nationalist Party, said the shooting had unfairly influenced the election and he demanded that the results be annulled, reported the BBC (Taiwan opposition demands recount). The opposition is concerned with the large number of invalid ballots (10 times the narrow difference between the two contenders).
The elections have left the country separated. On one side are Mr Chen and his democratic party, who favour standing up to China and eventual independence. On the other are a large number of people who favour the status quo and are wary of doing anything to upset China, and a smaller group who favour reunification, according to BBC (Taiwan split after vote). The country has rock future. China will not ease out political pressure under which ever the US is backing out of support for Taiwan. Although, the US had been the strongest supporter of the country, economic relationships with China have forced Bush administration's support for the status quo. It is unlikely, that the US will stand up to China and support independence for the island.
Also read posts from March 15th and 19th, and BBC's
Follow up:
Taiwan hit by angry poll protests
Call for talks in Taiwan poll row
Taiwan leader denies vote-rigging
Taiwan to debate recount law
Taiwan court challenge delayed
and the conlusion of the story: Chen declared Taiwan victor