Taiwanese voters are heading to schools, temples, and community centres for a high-stakes recall election targeting 31 lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), a move that could shift parliamentary control to President Lai Ching-te’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Backed by civic groups aligned with the DPP, the recall effort accuses KMT legislators of endangering Taiwan’s democratic security through pro-China positions.
Of the 31 targeted, 24 face immediate votes, with the remaining seven scheduled for August 23.
The KMT, supported in parliament by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has condemned the recall as a power grab by the DPP, which lost its legislative majority despite Lai’s 2024 presidential victory.
Public opinion remains divided, with supporters citing poor lawmaker performance and national security concerns, while critics argue the recalls threaten democratic norms.
If the DPP succeeds in unseating at least 12 lawmakers, it could temporarily regain control of the legislature and set the stage for key by-elections.
Results are expected Saturday night amid concerns of rising political tension with Beijing.