TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In preparation for the 11th legislative elections in Taiwan, the much-anticipated party number drawing was publicly held by the Central Election Commission (CEC) on Wednesday (Dec. 20), assigning numbers to parties for the at-large legislative seats.
The drawing of lots confirmed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would be listed as number 6 on the ballots, while the Kuomintang (KMT) secured the ninth spot, and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) drew number 12.
Prior to the draw, Huang Shan-shan, the TPP's top legislator-at-large candidate, and the KMT's leading counterpart Han Kuo-yu, were seen exchanging pleasantries and handshakes in a moment that captured the attention of attendees and the press alike.
Chen Chao-chien, the deputy chair of the CEC, noted that the 16 participating parties had their qualifications reviewed and approved by the commission before partaking in the public lottery.
The CEC had previously announced that 177 individuals were confirmed to meet the requirements, out of a total of 178 applicants for the legislative candidacy.