Taipei has elected its first non-ruling party mayor in 16 years.
Independent candidate Ko Wen-je swept to victory in the mayoral elections on Saturday. The 55-year-old doctor defeated the ruling Kuomintang’s candidate Sean Lien, who is the son of former Vice President Lien Chan.
Ko campaigned on a promise to change partisan politics even though his candidacy was endorsed by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party.
In his victory speech, Ko thanked the citizens of Taipei for believing that “politics is about rediscovering one’s conscience”. He attributed his victory to the power of the internet and civic movements. Ko also said the emergence of a civil society will be a positive force for Taiwanese politics.
When responding to questions at an international press conference following his victory, Ko said he will not join any political party during his term as mayor of Taipei. He also said that high-level officials in his administration will not be allowed to participate in political party activities.