TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan prepares for its general elections tomorrow, Jan. 13, amid a climate of uncertainty and political change. About 19.5 million people, including over a million first-time voters, are set to participate. Voter turnout, which was at a record low of 66.3% in 2016, increased to 74.9% in 2020.
The weather forecast for election day predicts sunny conditions, with temperatures ranging from 13 degrees Celsius in the north to 24 in the south, likely boosting voter turnout. The Central Election Commission plans to announce the election results by 8 p.m., with a recount possible if the vote difference is less than 0.3 percent.
The presidential race features a three-way contest between Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party, Lai Ching-te of the DPP, and Hou Yu-ih of the KMT. This follows a significant political shift since the DPP's Tsai Ing-wen won the 2016 and 2020 elections with commanding margins.
The legislative election has also seen notable changes. The DPP, which flipped control of the chamber in 2016 with 64 seats, saw a reduction to 61 seats in 2020, while the KMT's representation rose to 38 seats. The TPP's entry into the legislature, capturing five seats, indicates shifting political sentiments in Taiwan, setting the stage for Ko Wen-je's presidential bid.