[Taiwan Presidential Election] Voting Begins... Tsai Ing-wen Calm and Collected at Polling Station (Comprehensive)

President Tsai Ing-wen visiting a polling station located in New Taipei City, Taiwan, at 9 a.m. on the 11th.

[Asia Economy Taipei (Taiwan) = Park Sun-mi, Beijing Correspondent] On the 11th, voting began across Taiwan for the 15th presidential election.

According to the Taiwan Election Commission, voting for the president, vice president, and legislators (members of the National Assembly) is being conducted at 17,226 polling stations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The results are expected to be announced around 10 to 11 p.m.

President Tsai Ing-wen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who is leading in the polls, also visited a polling station in the morning to cast her vote. At 9 a.m. (local time), President Tsai arrived at a polling station inside Xiulang Elementary School in Yonghe District, New Taipei City, located west of Taipei City. She greeted citizens with a relaxed expression. Citizens waved and cheered, shouting "President Hao! (Hello!)" as she waved back.

The scene was bustling with citizens and reporters gathered to see President Tsai. Mr. Lin, 36, who came to vote with his wife and their five-month-old baby, said, "I hurried from the morning to vote because President Tsai was coming here." He added, "I voted for President Tsai four years ago, and I made the same decision this time. I like her stance emphasizing sovereignty protection. Although I am not fully satisfied with all the current government's policies, many policies take time to implement, so I hope she will achieve results during her term."

Another citizen in his 30s said that his vote choice is a secret but explained, "I made my decision months ago. The policy direction regarding cross-strait (Taiwan-China) relations was an important criterion for my choice."

On the 11th at 9 a.m., the polling station in Yonghe District, New Taipei City, where President Tsai Ing-wen came to vote, was crowded with gathered citizens and reporters.

This year's Taiwan presidential election took place amid heightened anti-China sentiment in Taiwan due to increased pressure from China to accept the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, intensified by the Hong Kong protests.

According to the latest polls, President Tsai has a higher chance of winning than her competitor, Han Kuo-yu, mayor of Kaohsiung from the Kuomintang (KMT). President Tsai especially enjoys strong support from the younger generation. On the other hand, the KMT, which retreated to Taiwan after losing the Chinese Civil War, has traditionally emphasized stable cross-strait relations, putting it at a significant disadvantage.

The final outcome of this election is expected to be significantly influenced by voter turnout. Taiwan's presidential election turnout has gradually declined over the years: 82.7% in 2000, 80.3% in 2004, 76.3% in 2008, 74.4% in 2012, and 66% in 2016. However, this year, the election enthusiasm is stronger than usual, so turnout is likely to increase. Since the candidates supported by the young, middle-aged, and elderly generations differ markedly, the key variable will be how many voters from each generation participate.

The number of eligible voters aged 20 and above for this election is 19.31 million.

About 25% of all voters are young people aged 35 or younger. Among them, 1.18 million voters have just obtained voting rights and are voting for the first time in this presidential election. In the three presidential elections held between 2008 and 2016, the voter turnout for the 20-35 age group was only 50-60%, while the turnout for those aged 65 and above was over 80%. However, this election is expected to see higher participation from young voters due to their increased interest.

The KMT has not received favorable results in the polls but has not given up hope until the end. They believe that there are many 'silent Han Kuo-yu' voters who do not openly express support due to the rising anti-China sentiment in Taiwan and are pinning their hopes on actual voting.

Meanwhile, among those eligible to vote for the first time this year is Tzuyu, a member of TWICE, and public attention is focused on whether she will cast her vote.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.