The candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which champions autonomy from China, has taken an early lead in Taiwan’s election.
Lai Ching-te, who is the current vice president, picked up more than three million votes after polls closed at 4pm (8am UK time) and is comfortably ahead of his two main rivals.
The count was still under way and no party has conceded or claimed victory.
If he is confirmed as the winner, Mr Lai will replace Tsai Ing-wen, who has served the limit of two terms.
Voters cast ballots on Saturday after a campaign overshadowed by tensions with China, which claims the territory as its own.
Beijing has been ramping up military pressure on Taipei and describes the contest as a choice between war and peace.
A victory for Mr Lai would likely irk Beijing, as the DPP does not acknowledge the “one China principle” in which territories like Taiwan and Hong Kong are deemed part of greater China.
More from World
The DPP is in favour of maintaining the status quo, in which Taiwan is self-governed.
Read more:The election that could shake the world
Advertisement
Mr Lai has made more explicitly pro-independence statements in the past, which is why he is deemed troublesome by China.
The election is also being contested by Hou Yu-ih from the Nationalist, or Kuomintang, party, which is in favour of closer ties with China; and Ko Wen-je from the smaller Taiwan People’s Party.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Source : Sky News
