Taiwan is holding presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, closely monitored by China, which considers the island a Chinese province despite Taiwan’s rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Taiwan, having struggled for decades to establish democracy and end authoritarian rule, will see three main parties competing: the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), established in 2019.
Currently, the DPP holds a majority in parliament with 63 seats, while the KMT has 38 and the TPP has five. The DPP advocates for Taiwan’s separate identity from China, rejecting Beijing’s claims and emphasizing the right of Taiwan’s people to determine their future. The KMT, which fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists, seeks close ties with China but denies being pro-Beijing. The TPP aims to re-engage with China.
Other smaller parties, such as the pro-independence Taiwan Statebuilding Party and the overtly pro-China New Party, are also participating in the parliamentary elections. However, their chances of securing seats are limited. Three presidential candidates are in the running: DPP’s Vice President Lai Ching-te (also known as William), KMT’s New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, and TPP’s former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je.
Vice President Lai has consistently led opinion polls leading up to the election. New polls have been restricted from publication since January 3, in adherence to election law. The newly elected president will take office on May 20, serving a four-year term with the possibility of a maximum of two consecutive terms. The president holds key roles such as commander-in-chief of the military, appointing the premier who forms the cabinet, and signing legislation into law.
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