Lai Cheng Tee and his Democratic Progressive Party have made history.
This is my first time in TaiwanIn nearly 30 years of democracy, the same party has won three consecutive terms.
It is very important that they did so while constantly standing up to China.
In fact, Mr. Lai has repeatedly described this campaign as a choice between “democracy and tyranny.”
Lai Ching-tei casts his vote in Taiwan
Even at the polls today, while casting his vote, he was careful to stress that Taiwan's democratic process was “hard-won” and “should be cherished.”
It is a message that had a clear resonance.
People here have told us many times that even though they may not favor the DPP's internal policies or feel that change would be nice, they will vote for it regardless of cross-Strait relations.
This has persisted despite the fact that tensions have escalated in recent years, with Beijing making increasing military threats and going after Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies.
Lai's victory this time may also have been aided by the fact that elections in Taiwan were, for the first time, a three-horse race.
Democratic Progressive Party supporters chant during a campaign rally on Election Day. Photo: AP
The new rebel Trans-Pacific Partnership party led by the hugely popular Ko Win Gye focused primarily on domestic issues and gained a lot of support from young people.
This appears to have been mostly at the expense of the opposition Kuomintang, a more conservative group that favors more dialogue with China.
Lai's victory is undoubtedly the most provocative outcome for China. The self-governing island of Taiwan is considered a breakaway province that must be “reunited” with the mainland.
Contrary to expectations, China was relatively quiet this week. Only one Chinese warplane crossed Taiwan's air defense identification zone the day before the election.
There have been many days in recent months and years when this number has reached the dozens.
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Mr Lai greets supporters in New Taipei City after his election victory. Photo: AP
Many believe this was intentional so as not to drive voters into the arms of the DPP.
Obviously it didn't work.
Indeed, at Mr. Lai's victory party, the joy was self-evident. People had gathered hours before to get a spot, faces etched with emotion, the Taiwan flag waving proudly.
There is a clear sense here that elections mean much more than a set of policies. They are about identity and who people feel they are.
This island may still occupy a precarious position, and it remains to be seen how China will respond in the coming days and weeks.
But it is quite clear that democracy is valued here, and any sense that it may be under threat is a clear and consistent incentive.
