Taiwan Holds Mass Recall Vote Targeting 24 KMT Lawmakers

Taiwan held an unprecedented recall election targeting 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers and suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) backing the campaign to regain legislative majority. The KMT, allied with the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), currently holds a majority in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan but faces allegations of endangering national security and obstructing key legislation, prompting the recalls. For a recall to pass, more than a quarter of eligible voters must vote in favor, with votes for recall exceeding those against, and turnout is expected to be a critical factor given typically lower participation in recall elections. Early results indicated the recall motions were failing in most districts, with vote counts showing more opposition to recalls than support. Political analysts note the TPP as a wildcard, given its pivotal minority position and the personal appeal of its presidential candidate Ko Wen-je, whose supporters' voting behavior could influence the outcome. The DPP needs to unseat at least 12 KMT lawmakers to gain temporary control of the legislature, but winning subsequent by-elections to solidify this control remains uncertain.