Taiwan's Recall Election and How the Process Could Play Out

Around one-fifth of Taiwanese lawmakers, all from the main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), face a recall election on July 26 that could reshape the legislature and present an opportunity for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to regain its majority.

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Here is what the recall vote—the largest ever in Taiwan—is about and how the election could play out.

WHAT IS A RECALL ELECTION?

Recalls are a constitutional right in Taiwan, but can be initiated only after the first year of a representative taking office. At least 10 percent of registered voters in a constituency must sign a petition for the recall, and the names on that petition must be validated by Taiwan's election commission.

WHO NOW CONTROLS TAIWAN'S PARLIAMENT?

While Mr. Lai Ching-te won the presidency in 2024, his DPP lost its parliamentary majority, leaving the KMT and the much smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) with the most seats, which they have used to pass legislation the government opposed and to impose swingeing budget cuts and spending freezes.

The KMT, the TPP, and their allies have 62 of the Parliament's 113 seats, while the DPP holds the remaining 51.

WHAT IS THE RECALL VOTE ABOUT?