Yu urges local authorities to work with government

Premier Yu Shyi-kun yesterday expressed his hope that central and local governments can be partners following the peaceful elections in Kaohsiung and Taipei yesterday.

"The central and local governments should be working hand in hand like partners. That's what we've been striving for over the years and that's what we'd like to see develop in the future, regardless of who is in power," Cabinet Spokesman Chuang Suo-hang (莊碩漢) quoted Yu as saying last night after the votes had been counted.

Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the KMT won 873,102 votes, or 64.11 percent of the total, while his DPP and sole challenger Lee Ying-yuan (李應元) garnered 488,811 votes, or 35.89 percent.

In Kaohsiung, Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) of the DPP amassed 386,384 votes, or 50.04 percent of the total ballots, while the KMT's Huang Jun-ying (黃俊英) received 361,546 votes, or 46.82 percent.

Chuang refused to comment when asked whether the Cabinet was worried about the further confrontation between the Taipei City Government and the central government.

"It's inappropriate for me to comment on such a hypothetical situation," Chuang said.

Since the DPP swept to power in May 2000, the Taipei City Government has locked horns with the central government over various issues, including the dredging project for the tributaries of the Keelung River and water rationing during a drought earlier this year.

In addition to urging that the local and central governments work together, the Executive Yuan issued a statement last night praising the peaceful conduct of the elections.

"With constituents acting in such a calm and rational manner during the elections, it shows that our efforts in pushing for democracy have borne fruit over the years," the statement said.

Yu also congratulated the successful candidates in the elections.

"I hope the two mayors will manage the cities in accordance with the wishes of their respective citizens and strive for the best interests of their cities, regardless of their political affiliations," the statement said. "I hope city councilors of the two cities will continue to serve their constituents and supervise the performance of their city governments."

The KMT kept control of the Taipei City Council, winning 20 of the 52 seats with 38 percent of the votes. The DPP won 17 seats with 33 percent.

The PFP won eight seats with 15 percent of the votes. The New Party won five seats and independents two.

Yu also called on those who lost the elections to respect the choices of the electorate and continue to serve the people.

"I'm calling on the supporters of different political parties and candidates who lost the elections to accept the results and work together for the best interest and future of the two cities," Yu said.