Tsai has promoted Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in the region since she took office, pitching it as a counterpoint to China's authoritarianism. Pro-gay marriage campaigners say they fear the new laws will now be weakened as the government faces conservative opposition. 'Protest vote'Observers said the DPP's shock defeat in local polls was an indictment of policies they felt had not helped ordinary people. Although GDP is rising in Taiwan, voters say they are not seeing the benefits and many have been incensed by cuts to pensions and public holidays. "(The electorate) remain attached to Taiwan's de facto independence and democracy," said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, professor of political science at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Source: Philippine Star November 25, 2018 06:00 UTC