TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's legislative election results on Saturday (Jan. 13) revealed a close race: The Kuomintang (KMT) secured 52 seats, while the Democratic Progress Party (DPP) obtained 51 seats in the 113-seat parliament (Legislative Yuan). The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) garnered eight seats, with independent and small parties taking the remaining two.
Comparatively, the 2012 elections saw the KMT with 64 seats and the DPP with 40. The 2016 elections marked a shift, with the DPP winning 68 seats, surpassing the KMT's 35. In 2020, the DPP held 61 seats, the KMT 38, and the TPP five. The New Power Party (NPP) saw a decline in representation.
The 113-seat parliament consists of 73 district legislators, 34 at-large seats, and six seats for indigenous legislators. Voters cast two ballots: one for their district and another for at-large seats.
This year's elections could change the parliamentary dynamics significantly. The KMT gained 14 seats, and the TPP increased its count by three. These shifts could affect the Legislative Yuan's structure over the next four years.
Though victorious in the presidential election, the DPP faces potential legislative hurdles due to not holding a majority. This scenario might necessitate cross-party collaboration to pass legislation, especially on critical issues like China policy and budget matters.
The new legislators will assume office in February, ahead of the new president's inauguration. Having never formed a coalition government, Taiwan faces a critical moment where parties must prioritize national welfare, economy, and societal stability.