Taiwanese voters maintain support for China-friendly lawmakers in significant election results.

Taiwanese voters recently rejected a recall initiative aimed at ousting around one-fifth of their lawmakers from the opposition Nationalist Party in a significant election held on Saturday. This outcome dampens the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) aspirations to shift the legislative balance in the self-governed island’s parliament.

Although the DPP won the presidential election last year, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the smaller Taiwan People’s Party possess enough seats to maintain a majority. Preliminary official results indicated that the effort to recall the KMT lawmakers was unsuccessful, with none of the two dozen targeted lawmakers being removed.

This recall election was unprecedented in scale, with an additional seven KMT lawmakers expected to face similar votes on August 23. Currently, the KMT holds 52 seats, while the DPP occupies 51.

For the DPP to achieve a legislative majority, at least six KMT lawmakers would need to be ousted. Moreover, the DPP must succeed in by-elections held within three months of the recall results.

For a recall vote to be valid, over 25% of eligible voters in the electoral district must participate, with those voting for the recall exceeding those against it. The polling closed at 4 p.m. local time, and Taiwan’s Central Election Commission is set to release official results on August 1.

An unfavorable outcome for the DPP next month could indicate ongoing legislative resistance leading up to the anticipated 2028 elections. KMT chairman Eric Chu remarked that voters expressed their desire for stability, urging the government to focus on achievements rather than political strife.

Political experts highlighted that the DPP now faces an uphill battle to advance its agenda, with calls for creative engagement strategies. Fu Kun-chi, a notable targeted lawmaker, emphasized the necessity for collaboration between parties to promote stability.

The recall initiative has drawn criticism of the KMT and its allies for obstructing key legislations and perceived attempts to undermine executive power in favor of China. This conflict has raised concerns regarding Taiwan’s democratic integrity and its capacity to resist Chinese military pressure.

In response, the KMT accused the DPP of wielding political retaliation following its loss of legislative dominance. As political tensions escalate, debates surrounding Taiwan’s relationship with China remain a focal point.