Tens of thousands on the streets for Taiwan's 'super weekend' of rallies for presidential vote

Tens of thousands gathered in Taiwan yesterday as rival presidential candidates took to the streets for “super weekend” rallies.

It is the last weekend of campaigning before the vote for president next Saturday, when the embattled ruling Kuomintang (KMT) is expected to be defeated.

Tsai Ing-wen of the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is forecast to take the leadership as the KMT struggles for public support, due to scepticism over its mainland-friendly policies and anger at the island’s stagnating economy.

But KMT candidate Eric Chu still managed to garner massive crowds on the streets of Taipei, with the KMT saying 150,000 turned out for his rally.

Chu walked alongside current president Ma Ying-jeou in a march through central Taipei as supporters donned fancy dress, waved the national flag, sang songs and held up “victory” signs.

Chu has emphasised the importance of stable relations with the mainland, saying a vote for the traditionally Beijing-sceptic DPP would be a step backwards.

“We are marching together for Taiwan's stability and let's look to victory and success on January 16,” he told the crowds.