Taiwan 2024 elections:Taiwanese citizens exercise their voting rights in the highly anticipated presidential and parliamentary Taiwan 2024 elections, and the first results are anticipated to be disclosed later on Saturday.
The presidential race presents an unexpected three-way competition among incumbent Vice President William Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), former New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), and third-party candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP).
The outcomes of these elections will significantly impact Taiwan’s democratic trajectory: The DPP, advocating for an elevated international profile and de facto independence; the KMT, proposing closer ties with China and improved economic relations; and the TPP, offering an untested third way between both major parties.
Furthermore, the composition of Taiwan’s 113-member unicameral legislature is at stake, determined by geographical constituency voting and a second list based on party vote proportions. Six seats are reserved for Indigenous Taiwanese.
In the previous election, the DPP secured a legislative majority, but the outcome remains uncertain this time due to heightened competition from the KMT and TPP in numerous local races.
Approximately 19.5 million eligible voters aged 20 and over participated, with high voter turnout anticipated based on public transit data. Taiwanese voters are required to cast their ballots in person at the location of their household registration, typically their hometown.
Despite a relatively lackluster campaign season primarily focused on domestic issues, the lead-up to the elections witnessed an unexpected surge in interest. Brian Hioe, a commentator on Taiwanese politics, attributed this shift to key events, including a massive rally for TPP candidate Ko, demonstrating his genuine contention despite his party’s relative inexperience.
Former president Ma Ying-jeou’s remarks urging Taiwan to trust Chinese President Xi Jinping also stirred concerns among voters, indicating potential influence within the KMT and affecting candidate Hou. Many Taiwanese, wary of Beijing’s claims over the island, emphasize maintaining de facto independence.
Voters expressed a mix of emotions, with some surprised by the diverse queue at polling stations, including young couples, while others shared anxious sentiments on social media. The DPP, led by President Tsai Ing-wen for the past eight years, faces a crucial test in these elections.
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