An unprecedented attempt in Taiwan to unseat 24 “pro-China” opposition politicians has failed, with voters in every seat rejecting the recall motions. The effort, backed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aimed to give the party a parliamentary majority but was decisively defeated.
Polls opened on Saturday for the first 24 of 31 targeted electorates, all held by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). Under Taiwan's recall laws, a seat is vacated only if the number of voters in favour reaches at least 25% of the electorate and outnumbers those against. By 7pm local time, the central election commission confirmed all 24 votes had failed.
The KMT, along with a smaller party, has controlled Taiwan's parliament since last year's election, blocking DPP bills on defence budgets and constitutional court appointments. The recall movement emerged from mass protests against these obstructions. The KMT's resounding victory is likely to embolden the party.
President Lai Ching-te urged acceptance of the results, calling it a demonstration of democracy. The KMT praised the outcome as a rejection of DPP efforts to “overturn” an election. Seven recall votes remain in coming weeks, but Saturday's losses have increased pressure on campaigners.
