The ruling Kuomintang Party, which fielded more than half the candidates, was expected to remain in power as polling closed on Saturday night (December 23) in taiwan's first major general election in twenty-three years.

One-hundred-and-thirty-three candidates were competing for the eighty-nine parliamentary seats - fifty-three in the National Assembly and thirty-six in the Legislative Yuan. Sixty-five of the candidates were nominated by the Kuomintang Party, one by the Young China Party and the remaining sixty-seven are running as independent entries.

Campaigning began early in December, but in the week before the election large numbers of posters and cars equipped with loudspeakers were ???aking last minute attempts to sway votes.

Sixteen magistrates and four mayors are also being elected. Results of the voting are expected to be known on Sunday (24 December).

SYNOPSIS: Posters appeared on walls in the cities and towns of Taiwan last week as candidates made last minute attempts to capture votes for Saturdays's general election - the first held in twenty-three years. Candidate mounted cares and addressed rally as part of their campaigns.

One-hindered and thirty-three candidates were competing for eighty-nine parliamentary seats - fifty-three seats in the National Assembly and thirty-six in the Legislative Yuan... The ruling Kuomintang Party, which fielded more than half of the candidates, is expected to remain in power.

As in any election, the candidates went to great lengths to win over the voters. In addition to making speeches, many candidates personally greeted their supporters.

Campaign workers supplemented the efforts of their particular candidate by handing out leaflets.