Taiwan’s ruling party, the KMT, only managed to secure one seat out of four in last weekend’s by-elections. Its main opposition, the Democratic Progressive Party, won the remaining three, indicating that President Ma Ying-jeou needs to restore the public’s confidence in his government.

Despite winning three out of four seats in Taiwan's by-elections last weekend the opposition party has been downplaying the victory. The Democratic Progressive Party, DPP, won legislative seats in Hsinchu, Taoyuan and Chiayi counties.

[Tsai Ing-wen, DPP Chairwoman]:
”We feel gratified with the election results. We also really appreciate that Taiwan’s voters are encouraging the DPP again and giving us an opportunity to prove that we are a party with ability. We really appreciate it.”

The results of the voting should serve as a wake-up call to the KMT and its leader, President Ma Ying-jeou, but will not significantly change the political balance of power.

After the by-elections, President Ma Ying-jeou, offered an apology in a press release over the defeat, but stressed the importance of continuing with party reforms in the hope of winning back support in future elections.

[Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan President]:
”This is a very big warning. It indicates our efforts were not enough, we apologize to our supporters and I think we should continue to innovate.”

Despite the loss, the KMT and its allies still command an overwhelming majority of 75 out of the 113 seats in the Legislative Yuan.

This is NTD, Taiwan.