A Kuomintang (KMT) majority is expected from legislative elections in Taiwan on Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported. Concerns over cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s economy are said to be responsible for voter discontent with President Chen Shui-bian and his pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Under Chen’s government, Taiwan has increased business ties with the mainland, but Chinese investment in Taiwanese companies remains banned, and Taiwanese investment in mainland sectors like semiconductors is restricted. A strong showing by the KMT in Saturday’s vote could help improve relations with the mainland. On March 22, a presidential election will pit the KMT’s Ma Ying-jeoh against Chen Shui-bian’s DPP successor, Frank Hsieh.
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