Taiwan is set to conduct recall elections next month targeting nearly a quarter of its legislative members, all belonging to the main opposition bloc. This development could potentially return control of parliament to the ruling party, according to the announcement by the electoral body on Friday.
Although Lai Ching-te secured the presidency last year, his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost its grip on the legislative majority. The Kuomintang (KMT), together with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), now command the most seats.
Recently, both the KMT and TPP pushed through policies such as deep budget reductions, drawing sharp criticism from the DPP. However, the movement to collect enough signatures to trigger these recall votes was primarily driven by civil organizations.
Currently, the opposition occupies 62 out of the 113 parliamentary seats, leaving the DPP with 51. The recall ballots for 24 KMT legislators have been scheduled for July 26.
The DPP openly backs the recalls and this week released a campaign video urging citizens to vote in favor and “oppose the communists”—an open swipe at China, along with accusations that the opposition has grown dangerously close to Beijing.
The KMT, meanwhile, has rejected the recall efforts, labeling them as a “malicious recall” happening barely months after the most recent general election in January 2024.
“The KMT calls on the people of Taiwan to oppose the green communists and fight against dictatorship, and vote ‘no’,” the party said in a statement after the recall vote was announced, referring to the DPP’s party colours.
The KMT argues that maintaining dialogue with China—which claims Taiwan as part of its territory—is vital to preserving stability and reducing cross-strait tensions.
China has spurned every invitation to talk from Lai, labeling him a “separatist” while simultaneously escalating military activities directed at Taiwan.
Efforts to initiate similar recall motions against DPP lawmakers did not reach the required number of valid signatures.
For any recall to succeed, the count of ‘yes’ votes must surpass ‘no’ votes and must also exceed 25% of registered voters within that district, making voter turnout a decisive factor.
Should the recalls succeed, by-elections will follow later in the year to fill the vacated legislative seats.
Taiwan’s next general and presidential polls are not expected until early 2028.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
j1nxwm
3nfpwf