Cliff Notes – Taiwan votes in high-stakes recall election
- Voters in Taiwan are deciding on recalling 24 opposition KMT lawmakers, a historic first, as the DPP seeks to regain parliamentary control after losing its majority in the recent elections.
- The KMT, holding 52 seats and advocating closer ties with China, faces accusations of being pro-Communist and is denouncing the recall as a power grab.
- Growing tensions with China have prompted civic groups to initiate recalls, as the KMT has obstructed DPP’s defence agenda amidst rising security concerns.
Taiwan votes in high-stakes recall election
Voters in Taiwan are casting their ballots on whether to recall 24 lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and hold by-elections for their seats.
The high-stakes referendum could give President Lai Ching-te’s DPP party control of the parliament after it lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections despite Lai winning the presidential race.
This is the first mass recall in Taiwan’s history, with another seven KMT lawmakers facing a second recall election in August.
KMT, which has a total of 52 parliamentary seats, advocates for closer economic ties with China.
Its critics accuse the KMT lawmakers of being pro-Communist and beholden to China.
The KMT, which controls parliament with the help of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has slammed the unprecedented recall effort as a power grab.
Why is the recall vote being held?
The KMT, together with the TPP has obstructed Lai’s agenda wherever possible. This includes slashing Taiwan’s defence budget and freezing other defense funds at a time when the threat from China is growing.
They have also pushed controversial reforms to expand parliament’s powers. These led to brawls in the legislature and massive street protests — and spurred civic groups to launch the recall campaign.
Under Taiwan’s election laws, signatures from 10% of a district’s registered voters are required to hold a recall vote.
For a KMT lawmaker to lose their seat, the number of votes in favour of recalling them must exceed those against and turnout must exceed 25% of registered voters.
The DPP needs recalls of at least 12 KMT lawmakers to gain temporary control of the parliament.
What is the role of China in Taiwan’s recall vote?
China has loomed large over the recall vote. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned earlier in the week of “visible evidence” China was trying to interfere in the election process.
China claims that Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.
Polls close at 4 p.m. Taiwan time (0800 UTC/GMT), and results should become clear later in the evening.
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