I understand the harsh feelings and sentiments from my opponents and their supporters because I myself have been defeated twice in my political life in the past and I understand very well it is hard to accept your own failure.

The road to democracy may be winding and is like a river taking many curves, but eventually the river will reach the ocean.

We also intend to deal with the issue of incorporating basic human rights into our new constitution.

However, I must say that I am very happy to see that we have such a positive result for our first referendum in our history and that gives me more confidence in Taiwan's democracy.

The election result is not a victory that belongs to me or my party.

Secondly I would like to make continuous efforts of stabilising cross Strait relations, eventually reaching peace across the Taiwan strait and stability and security in the Asia Pacific region.

Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest.