DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen comments at November 27 Post-Election Press Conference

The DPP held a Nov. 27th press conference after the election results of the five-city mayor elections were announced. The press conference was hosted by DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Secretary General Wu Nai-ren and DPP officials.

Below are her comments:

“On behalf of the DPP, I would like to thank all the participants and our supporters in this election, as well as thank all the rest of the DPP party members. The results of this election were not as we hoped, but we humbly accept them.

“I would like to congratulate Mayor Chen Chu, Mayor Lai Ching-teh and all the winning city councilors, exhorting them to exert all their efforts in uplifting city governance and bringing a better livelihood for the city residents. I would also like to express our deepest gratitude to candidates Su Tseng-chang and Su Chia-chuan for bravely shouldering responsibility, achieving better overall DPP voter support and seats for our city councilors and strengthening our basic power during this hardest period for the DPP. During their election process, they showed true democratic style and values, and it can be said to be a glorious defeat.

“I would also like to appeal to our supporters to accept the results in this election. We can understand everyone’s disappointment, but we can’t afford to be discouraged. We must see this result as a challenge and once again a test for the DPP. In this election, the DPP received more than 50% of the votes cast. Adding the results of the last 3-in-1 elections, the amount of votes received throughout the election areas of Taiwan is comparable with the KMT. Additionally, the DPP received a great increase in the number of city councilors. This result is an achievement of our collective efforts. Therefore, do not believe that this is the end and everyone should not lose faith. The DPP will continue to fight on.

“The DPP this time remained rational and pragmatic in developing public policy for the livelihood of the people and the disadvantaged. This showed a different image of the party and political culture in Taiwan. For this reason, we feel extremely at ease. We definitely believe that this is a right choice, and we will continue to persist in our ideals until the DPP gains sufficient trust from the public.

“In the past two years, the DPP and its party members have walked through a tumultuous period of growth and setbacks. I know that in the near future, we will face an even tougher battle, but with the same faith and courage, I will continue to lead the DPP, firmly marching forward. Thank you!”

DPP Chair Tsai Ing-wen comments at November 27 Post-Election Press Conference