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On Saturday, Taiwanese voters were deciding whether to recall about one-fifth of their lawmakers—mostly from the opposition Nationalist Party (KMT)—in elections that could reshape the power dynamics within the legislature.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party won last year’s presidential election. However, the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party, which are pro-China, hold enough seats to form a majority bloc in the legislature. Critics of the KMT argue that these lawmakers have blocked key legislation, especially the defense budget, and passed controversial measures seen as reducing executive power and favoring China—considered by Beijing as its own territory.
Recall supporters claim that such actions have raised concerns about Taiwan’s democratic integrity and its ability to deter Chinese military threats. This has led to recall campaigns targeting 24 KMT lawmakers, with another seven facing similar votes on August 23. To pass the recalls, more than a quarter of eligible voters in each district must support them.
The KMT argues that the ruling party is resorting to political retaliation after losing legislative control and claims that the recalls are undermining Taiwan’s democratic system. For the DPP to regain a majority, at least six KMT lawmakers would need to be ousted, and the ruling party would have to win all by-elections within three months of the results.
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If the KMT loses seats in these recall elections, it can field new candidates for by-elections, potentially regaining lost positions. Outside polling stations in Taipei, voters were queuing to cast their ballots. Results are expected later that evening. The elections have heightened tensions between those supporting the status quo and those favoring improved ties with Beijing.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, criticized the DPP for seeking “one-party dominance” and practicing “dictatorship under the guise of democracy.” She alleged that the Lai administration has suppressed opposition parties and those involved in cross-strait relations. The Chinese authorities are accused of interfering with the vote.
(This story was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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What percentage of lawmakers were targeted for recall in this election?
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