Chinese language social media platform Weibo has blocked the hashtag ‘Taiwan Election’ on its web site after it began trending among the many high ones. “In accordance with related legal guidelines, laws, and insurance policies, the content material of this subject just isn’t displayed,” a discover on the web site confirmed on Saturday (Jan 13) morning when the hashtag was searched at round 9.45 am native time, the information company AFP reported.
‘Taiwan Election’ was one of many highest trending subjects on Weibo after the elections opened earlier within the day – at one level exhibiting as much as 163.2 million submit views. AFP reported that some posts expressed hope that cross-strait ties may enhance following the vote. Nevertheless, different posts referred to as for Taiwan to be returned to China as quickly as doable.
The hashtag was eliminated by mid-morning, although customers had been nonetheless capable of see posts in regards to the subject.
Taiwan polls shut, counting underway
Polls have closed in Taiwan and the counting of votes is underway. Based on TaiwanNews Plus, Democratic Progressive Celebration (DPP) chief and Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te is sustaining the lead with 1.7 million votes after almost two hours of counting. He’s adopted by Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou Yu-ih who has secured 1.3 million votes and Taiwan Folks’s Celebration (TPP) chief Ko Wen-je in third place with simply over one million votes.
Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the end result of many years of battle towards authoritarian rule and martial regulation.
The ruling DDP is looking for a 3rd time period. The occasion champions Taiwan’s separate identification and rejects China’s territorial claims.
The KMT, which dominated China earlier than fleeing to Taiwan after shedding a civil struggle with the Communists in 1949, favours shut ties with China however strongly denies being pro-Beijing. In the meantime, the TPP additionally needs to re-engage with Beijing.
A number of different small events together with the pro-independence Taiwan Statebuilding Celebration and overtly pro-China New Celebration are additionally participating within the elections. Nevertheless, most of such events are unlikely to get any seats, a report by the information company Reuters mentioned.
The outcomes of the elections can be declared afterward Saturday, and the brand new president will take workplace on Could 20. The presidential time period is 4 years and a president can serve a most of two phrases in a row.
(With inputs from businesses)
