Taiwan set to hold presidential inauguration next week

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – Taiwan is set to hold the presidential inauguration of Tsai Ing-wen for the second consecutive term on May 20.

She is Taiwan’s first female but seventh president who won the first term in 2016.

Tsai won the presidential election in January receiving an excess of 8 million votes, or more than 57% of the total votes polled. Her opponent lost by over 3 million votes.

It was the highest number of votes bagged by a winner since the direct presidential elections began in 1996. Taiwan has a population of over 23 million.

The 15th term presidential inauguration is streamlined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice-president will also be inaugurated on the same day.

In a Twitter statement, Tsai, who represents Democratic Progressive Party, said: “#TuneInForTaiwan! Due to the #COVID19 outbreak, we will be streamlining the inauguration ceremony, but I sincerely invite you to join our livestream on May 20 as I share my vision for Taiwan’s future.”

The Tsai government has reduced number of attendees and scale of the event to adhere to coronavirus prevention measures. However, it will be widely streamed online.

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Taiwan, so far, has avoided to invite foreign guests or special envoys.

However, after her inauguration speech, Tsai will host members of the diplomatic corps posted in Taiwan.

Her second term began with the COVID-19 pandemic but Taiwan has succeeded in suppressing the infection with just 440 confirmed cases of which 349 are imported and 55 are locally acquired. Seven people have died.

The success against COVID-19 has won Tsai international praise.

Expanding diplomatic efforts to win more allies, Taiwan even exported millions of masks to the western countries.

China deems Taiwan as breakaway province, however, At least 15 countries recognize Taiwan as an independent country.