Even a fierce rainstorm can't dampen the spirits of Ma Ying-jeou.<br/> Taiwan's incumbent president was re-elected Saturday following what had been billed as one of the country's most important votes in years.<br/> Ma, a strong supporter of improving ties with China, fended off a strong challenge from rival Tsai Ing-wen, capturing about 52% of the vote.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU, SAYING:<br/> "In the next four years, cross-strait relations will be more peaceful, with greater mutual trust and the chance of conflict will be less. I must let Taiwan have a long-lasting environment of peace and stability. What do you think?"<br/> The vote had shaped up as a referendum on ties with China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province.<br/> Ma's nationalist party pursued a détente with Beijing, while Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party favour independence.<br/> After the vote, Tsai took the blame for the defeat.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY CHAIRWOMAN, TSAI ING-WEN SAYING:<br/> "As for the responsibility of the loss, I will be the sole bearer. I hereby announce I will quit the position as the party chief of Democratic Progressive Party. The next party chief will insist on DPP's reform and transformation. And lead everyone further on."<br/> Nearly 200,000 Taiwanese returned from overseas for the poll.<br/> In a measure of the easing ties with the mainland, most of them came over from China.<br/> Andrew Raven, Reuters
