Taiwan votes in presidential poll
Taiwan is voting in a presidential election in which both candidates
favour closer economic ties with China.
Frank Hsieh, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, faces a tough
battle against Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang.
Mr Ma, whose party has traditionally taken a more conciliatory line
towards Beijing, has led consistently in opinion polls.
But analysts believe Mr Hsieh may have narrowed the gap in the race to
replace President Chen Shui-bian.
Mr Hsieh has accused his rival of being soft on China and portrayed
himself as the man best placed to defend Taiwan's interests.
Over 17 million people are eligible to vote and turnout is expected to
be high. Polling stations opened at 0800 on Saturday (0000GMT), and
close at 1600 (0800GMT), which results expected a few hours later.
'Resume dialogue'
The economy has been central to the election campaign.
Many Taiwanese think closer links with Beijing would help revive the
island's faltering economy - but ties have been strained under
President Chen because of his pro-independence stance.
Mr Ma has proposed direct flights to the mainland and easing
restrictions on doing business with China, calling for the creation of
a "common market".
His rival has been more cautious, promising dialogue with China while
pledging to defend Taiwan's sovereignty.
"In the past the DPP was criticised for not opening up but I will be
more compromising, I will do better," Mr Hsieh said as the campaign
drew to a close.
'Second Tibet'
The recent unrest in Tibet has also become as key issue in the vote,
with both men speaking out against Beijing.
Earlier this week Mr Ma talked of a possible Olympic boycott if the
situation there deteriorated, though he said on Friday he would not
"push the issue to the extreme".
Mr Hsieh warned that his rival could make Taiwan a "second Tibet".
China says that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the two have
been separately governed since 1949.
It has threatened to use force if the island moves towards formal
independence.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/7309113.stm
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