Floating voters shunning ruling party, analysts say

Sheng said that Chen and Lee will continue their partnership, but predicted that the relationship will alter as a result of these elections.

The strategy of the two parties has been for the former president to solicit support from the extreme independence-minded groups, whereas Chen takes the "New Middle Way" to appeal to the general public, Sheng said.

Sheng said the president had to weigh the costs of his cooperation with the TSU on the grounds that the moderate majority would hesitate to support Chen if he stayed too close to Lee and staunch pro-Taiwan supporters.