Ex-premier wins first party primary
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A former premier who has pushed for better relations with rival China was the surprise winner of the first phase of the ruling party’s presidential primary vote.
The witty, sharp-tongued Frank Hsieh still needs to win a second round of voting to clinch his bid to be the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate in next year’s election. But the victory nearly guarantees him a place on the ticket.
Many believe Hsieh might be more flexible and pragmatic with China than President Chen Shui-bian, who has been unable to forge a breakthrough in relations with Beijing during his eight years in office.
Hsieh’s main rival, Premier Su Tseng-chang, dropped out of the race.
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