The votes have been counted and the results announced in the election of the eleventh-term president and vice president of the Republic of China. President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien were reelected with 6,471,970 votes. This is a victory for democracy, a victory for Taiwan, and a victory for the people. I would especially like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Chen and Vice President Lu, and express my highest respect for all citizens. I would also like to express my admiration for Mr. Lien Chan and Mr. James Soong's spirit of electoral competition. 

After the intense competition of this presidential election, President Chen in the end won the support of the people. His victory testifies to the strong affirmation that his policy orientation and administrative performance over the past four years have received. The people look forward to President Chen's continued leadership of the country towards reform and innovation, upgrade and transformation, and the realization of greater and loftier ideals. We are confident that in the next four years, the administration led by President Chen will redouble its efforts, and devote itself to reform and progress, the promotion of overall development, and the accomplishment of even more glorious achievements. This will enable Taiwan to advance further toward a more prosperous future of greater wealth and strength. 

This was also the first nationwide referendum held under to the Referendum Act. Although some people held different views on the timing and procedures of this referendum, it does not mean that the public is opposed to the referendum itself or the real significance of the two questions. In future cross-strait interactions, the government will continue to give priority to the maintenance of stability in the Taiwan Strait, and proceed to carry out various measures to promote equal and mutually beneficial cross-strait relations. We are also willing to take this opportunity to call on China once again: Our long-standing position of pursuing positive interactions across the strait remains unchanged. We remain hopeful that China will cooperate with Taiwan in creating a peaceful and stable environment that will help each side seize the opportunity to pursue progress and development for the greatest welfare of the people. 

The conclusion of the election brings an end to much fervor. It is also the beginning of new solidarity and new development. We are confident that in the upcoming four years, President Chen Shui-bian will fulfill his campaign promises and resolutely promote a new wave of reforms and development. On this land, he will build a better tomorrow for the people of Taiwan and generations to come.