Former Taiwanese leader endorses Hsieh for president

Lee, 85, served as Taiwanese president for 12 years until 2000, and remains a revered figure for many Taiwanese. His endorsement could convince waverers from Hsieh's Democratic Progressive Party to give him their vote, instead of sitting out the election entirely or opting for Hsieh's Nationalist Party rival, Ma Ying-jeou.

Lee told a suburban Taipei press conference that he had not taken his decision lightly.

"As a president the most important thing is to have a passionate love for the country," he said. "After months of observation of the two candidates I declare openly that I will give my vote to Frank Hsieh."

Lee also expressed concern for the future of Taiwan's democracy if the Nationalists capture the presidency, following their landslide triumph in legislative elections on Jan. 12.

If a single party controls both the presidency and the legislature "the balance of power will be a serious problem," he said.

Despite Lee's endorsement, Ma is still considered the favorite to win on Saturday. However, Hsieh has been whittling away at his opponent's double-digit opinion poll lead over the past two weeks, and may now be in striking distance of pulling off an upset.

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