Tsai Ing-wen, leader of opposition Democratic Progressive party (DPP), secured 56.12 percent of the vote, defeating ruling Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Eric Chu to become the first female president of Taiwan, according to CNN.
DPP also secured a majority in the national legislature by winning 68 seats out of a total of 113 seats. Chu and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong have conceded defeat and congratulated their opponent.
"For me, this is not just about an election victory. The results today tell me that the people want to see a government more willing to listen to the people, a government that is more transparent and accountable, and a government that is more capable of leading us past us current challenges and taking care of those in need," Tsai said in her victory speech Saturday night, according to Focus Television Taiwan.
"They tell me that people expected government that can lead this country into a new generation and a government that is steadfast in protecting this country's sovereignty," the president-elect said.
She also urged China to respect Taiwan's democracy and sovereignty, warning that any kind of suppression will harm the stability of cross-strait relations, BBC News reported.
"I also want to emphasise that both sides of the Taiwanese Strait have a responsibility to find mutually acceptable means of interaction that are based on dignity and reciprocity. We must ensure that no provocations or accidents take place," Tsai said.
China, on the other hand, termed Tsai's victory as an internal matter of Taiwan.
"Together with people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, we are willing to maintain the common political foundation, the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and peace and stability across the Strait, and jointly create a bright future for the revival of the Chinese nation," China's State Council said in a statement, according to Xinhua.
