The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has congratulated Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on a historic third-consecutive term in office.
“The government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines congratulate most heartily Their Excellencies William Lai Ching-te as President-Elect and Hsiao Bi-khim as Vice-President-Elect of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their magnificent triumph in the elections held today, January 13, 2024,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a press statement.
“Their political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was impressive in these elections; we salute all its leaders, members, and supporters,” Kingstown further said.
We note the highly-competitive nature of these elections, and deeply appreciate the important roles of the other Presidential candidates, Mr. Hou Yu-in of the Kuomintang (KMT) and Mr. Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and their respective teams in maintaining Taiwan as a land of democracy and liberty.”
Lai won nearly 5.6 million votes, amassing just over 40%, while Hou claimed 33.5%. Ko garnered 26.5%, the Associated Press reported.
“Above all, the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are to be highly commended for their exemplary peaceful, and thoroughly democratic elections which constitute a model for some neighbouring countries in Asia,” Kingstown further said.
“The government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines look forward to a further strengthening of our excellent relations with the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). President-Elect Lai Ching-te is known to us.”
The statement said that Prime Minister of SVG, Ralph E. Gonsalves has already transmitted his congratulations, orally, to the president-elect and his team.
“Our Prime Minister has signalled his intention to attend the formal swearing-in ceremony of President-Elect Lai Ching-te in May 2024 in Taiwan.”
The Associated Press said the result of the vote will determine the trajectory of Taiwan’s contentious relations with China over the next four years.
Taiwan and China split amidst a civil war in 1949 and Beijing regards the self-ruled democracy as a province and has not ruled out using force in its efforts to unite Taiwan with China.
China had called the poll a choice between war and peace. Beijing strongly opposes Lai, the current vice president who abandoned his medical career to pursue politics from the grassroots to the presidency, the Associated Press said.
Meanwhile, St. Lucia, another of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies, also congratulated to the winning candidates.
“This momentous occasion not only marks a significant chapter in Taiwan’s political landscape but also strengthens the bonds between our nations,” Castries said in a press statement.
“The Government of Saint Lucia values the principles of democracy, peace, and prosperity, and applauds the people of Taiwan for their active participation in the democratic process,” the statement further said.
“Prime Minister Hon. Philip J Pierre and the Government of Saint Lucia look forward to strengthened ties and collaboration between our nations. Prime Minister Pierre wishes the new government under President-Elect H.E. Lai Ching-Te and Vice-President-elect H.E. Ambassador Hsiao Bi-Khim continued success, unity, and prosperity.”