Tens of thousands gathered in Taiwan Saturday as rival presidential candidates took to the streets for "super weekend" rallies. It is the last weekend of campaigning before the vote for president next Saturday, when the embattled ruling Kuomintang (KMT) is expected to be defeated.
Tsai Ing-wen of the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is forecast to take the leadership as the KMT struggles for public support, due to scepticism over its China-friendly policies and anger at the island's stagnating economy. The KMT says if Tsai wins, the recent rapprochement with Beijing will be over, destabilising the region. But addressing crowds gathered for her rally in the city of Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, the DPP's heartland, Tsai said change was the only way forward.
"Taiwan will only improve if the DPP has the majority," she said. "I will lead Taiwan towards reform, I will lead Taiwan towards change." The DPP said turnout was 100,000, with supporters waving flags, chanting Tsai's name and blowing horns. "I support Tsai Ing-wen because she brings fresh ideas," said service industry worker Gladys Cheng, 27. "Even if cross-strait relations aren't good, I don't think it matters so much. The focus should be global, not just on China."
Despite lagging Tsai in the polls, KMT candidate Eric Chu managed to garner massive crowds on the streets of Taipei Saturday afternoon, with the party saying 200,000 turned out for his rally. Chu walked alongside current president Ma Ying-jeou in a march through the centre of the city as supporters donned fancy dress, waved the national flag, and held up "Victory" signs.
Chu has emphasised the importance of peaceful relations with China throughout his campaign. "We are marching together for Taiwan's stability," he told the crowds. "No matter how much dissatisfaction you felt in the past, be brave, stand out and vote for our next generation," he said. Chu's supporters said they were afraid the DPP would bring instability.
Taiwan is self-ruling after it split from China in 1949 following a civil war on the mainland, but Beijing still considers it part of its territory, awaiting reunification. Ma has overseen a rapprochement with China since he took power in 2008, leading to trade deals and a tourist boom, and culminating in a historic summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But many voters feel it is big business that has reaped the benefits, not ordinary people, and there are growing concerns over Beijing's influence.