Elections have came to a close in Taiwan, and as the votes are tallied -- the island awaits the results of a tight race for the presidency.<br/> Incumbent president Ma Ying-jeou of the Nationalist Party had a tiny edge in partial vote counts.<br/> Earlier in the day Ma cast his ballot, and only gave a smile, refusing to comment about the elections.<br/> Ma has fostered warmer ties with China, veering away from his predecessor who favoured independence.<br/> Some voters said Ma's policies led to better relations, and in turn, a better life for the Taiwanese.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 77-YEAR-OLD LOCAL RESIDENT AN CIANG WHO VOTED FOR TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU, SAYING:<br/> "Life was miserable before 2008 with relations across the Taiwan Strait deteriorating and the economy shrinking. But since 2008, many problems have begun to be solved, which is a very good sign, and we want this to continue."<br/> But Ma's contender Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, says the incumbent president's policies are only benefitting the wealthy.<br/> Both Ma and Tsai are former law academics and hold doctorates - Ma from Harvard, and Tsai from the London School of Economics.<br/> Known for her analytical mind and negotiating skills -- Tsai has moved her party towards a more centrist position, toning down its pro-independence stance.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) TAIWAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TSAI ING-WEN SAYING:<br/> "I am ready emotionally (to become the President), and I also hope to brief the Taiwan people after the results come out later today."<br/> A DPP win could be tricky for China. Beijing's leaders, who will hand over power this year, will not want to destroy its legacy of stable relations with Taiwan.<br/> Many Chinese tourists flew to Taiwan ahead of the polls to see how democracy works.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) MS. LUO FROM GUANGDONG PROVINCE IN SOUTHERN CHINA, SAYING:<br/> "It is like watching a big show, or a concert. We have never experienced that before. It is so new to us. As for who is campaigning against whom, I still have no idea."<br/> At least for ordinary citizens across the straits -- Taiwan's elections come with a shared wish for lasting peace and stability.<br/> Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
