When Taiwanese voters pick a new president Saturday their ballot will represent another choice of global significance: Forging closer ties with China or defending the island’s autonomy with Washington’s backing.
The closely fought, three-way contest to succeed President Tsai Ing-wen, who is stepping down due to term limits, marks the world’s first major test of democracy in 2024. This year will see the governments of more than 3 billion people face some 40 elections.
